Tsuba Ethics Bonji Tsuba

[denlong]

Hello everyone

 

re Tsuba Ethics

 

I am considering mounting this tsuba on a sword ... my question is: The nakago ana is too small for the sword. Making the ana larger will probably lose some of the mei (vertically needs 2.5mm more and horizontally needs 2mm wider at the bottom of the ana and 1mm wider in the middle of the ana)

 

I paid $400 at an estate sale and in my twisted way of thinking, if it was a $4000 tsuba i would not consider modifying it, but as a $400 tsuba maybe it's OK ???

 

another question: Anyone know if I guessed correctly which side is Omote?

 

Info I received about this tsuba:

Made by Eiju in the late 1800's. It is a special custom made tsuba made for a Samurai by another Samurai.

 

Thank You for any help!

 

[drbvac]

If you really "like" the tsuba I wouldn't cut it for any reason and look for another to mount on your blade, It is a lot easier and won't hurt the tsuba if the nakagoana is too big!

[Brian]

You are not (hopefully) going to get anyone on this forum recommending that you alter an original antique in this way.

Not from ppl who are dedicated to the "study and preservation" of Japanese swords and fittings....

 

Brian

[denlong]

Thanks

 

Done and convinced!

 

dennis

[denlong]

BTW:

 

Has anyone heard of Eiju?

 

 

 

Thanks

Dennis

[Brian]

Dennis,

The NMB has this handy search feature.... :lol:

search.php?keywords=eiju&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

 

Brian

[Marc BROQUIN]

Hello Dennis,

 

When you are writing EIJU, and asking if we know something about it, it is difficult to speak without context.

 

But if it can help, the most known EIJU is certainly SEIRYUKEN EIJU from the TETSUGENDO SCHOOL. The signature is chiselled in sosho caracters and often followed by a gold seal with different appearances. This let think that many tsubako of the school have signed this way (SEIRYUKEN EIJU) and have added their own kinzogan mei (only a possibility)

 

Regarding the fact of enlarging or modifying slightly the nakago ana of a tsuba to adapt to a sword tang the Japanese themselves have done it all along centuries (see the numerous tsuba with sekigane added afterwards), it is why I could accept it eventually if needed because the tsuba could fit exactly with other kodogus.

But when you say it will damaged the signature. In that case, I would not do it.

 

By the way your tsuba is nice as it is, keep it without alteration.

 

This is only my opinion ...

Best regards

Marc