help with Tsuba ID?

colorblind72 · October 18, 2009

could anyone please help me identify this Tsuba.

My Grandfather bought it in Japan post war.

Thanks,

JJ

Rich S · October 18, 2009

My guess would be Kyo-Shoami.

Rich

colorblind72 · October 19, 2009

I looked it up but don"t really understand what that means.

Can you elaborate.

thanks,

JJ

Jean · October 19, 2009

Shoami school - Kyoto branch

docliss · October 19, 2009

I bow to Richard Stein’s expertise, but both Chōshū and Bushū attributions seem to me to be appropriate. The black colouration of the iron suggest the former, while the high quality of the carving and the generous gold overlay favour the latter. I would suggest C18 Bushū work as an alternative attribution.

But what is the design – peony flowers and foliage perhaps?

I await Richard’ comments with interest.

John L.

colorblind72 · October 19, 2009

I think its genko leaves, but I know next to nothing about this. Every thing you guys have said I've had to google to find more info.

Thanks for the feedback,

JJ

docliss · October 20, 2009

You may be right, but it is normally the ginko biloba that is illustrated in Japanese art, and that this certainly ain't. John L.

Mark Green · October 22, 2009

Not sure about the school,

But this is peony flowers for sure. This very nice tsuba was about as covered with gold as any you will see.

I think it would have looked just as nice, perhaps even better, with no color. Just a nice dark patina.

Mark G

docliss · October 22, 2009

Oh dear, I seem to be disgreeing with everybody who has posted to this thread. I cannot agree with Mark that this tsuba 'was about as covered with gold as any you see'. The gold overlay on the stems is very fine in quality, and that on the blossoms has, I am sure, always demonstrated the deliberate appearance of wear that it now shows. But I do agree that it is a fine tsuba.

John L.

Mark Green · October 22, 2009

Now that I have taken a closer look, I agree with you john.

I just don't like the added gold for some reason. It just looks very haphazerd. Like someone put it on as an after thought. I guess I just don't like the placement.

Maybe It's just the deliberate wear, combined with the age wear.

It is, fine as kind though!

Mark G

JJ, could you tell us the size, please. 7.9x7.1cm ?

Marc BROQUIN · October 23, 2009

Hello,

If we are speaking about what we pronounce Ginko biloba but should write Ginkgo biloba I don't think it is.

PS : If somebody wants Ginkgo seeds, It would be a pleasure for me to send some (with how to proceed).

It seems to me to be a couple of paeonies but the subject is treated differently as we are used to see.

The pointed three branch leave is characteristic of paeony.

The school seems IMO SHOAMI. KYO seems a good trend but the influence of Satsuma (refer to the famous flat bean tsuba)seems a possibility. The type of fine gold cloud over the flower is remarked in Kyushu Tsuba such as Kumagai. Much more "transparent" than in Jakushi.

It's only an idea but classic Kyo Shoami are not IMO treated this way.

Friendly your's

Marc

nagamaki - Franco · October 23, 2009

Hello,

It seems to me to be a couple of paeonies but the subject is treated differently as we are used to see.

subject appears to be Japanese tree peony

Ford Hallam · October 23, 2009

I would suggest C18 Bushū work as an alternative attribution.

But what is the design – peony flowers and foliage perhaps?

fwiw...I agree with the good doctors assessment. The rather bold, and clean, sculpting is what makes me think this. I can get a sense of the Shoami but this example seems more masculine and definite in it's design conception then what I usually associate with Shoami work.

I think it's a lovely example...whatever it is :D

regards,

ford

colorblind72 · October 23, 2009

Wow! thanks to everyone for their feedback.

I will get a measurement for you.

I still don"t understand much of what was said but will continue to research and pay attention.

I"m grateful to all of you and my Uncle for sending it to me.

JJ

Ford Hallam · October 23, 2009

Hi JJ

I forgot to mention, nice image ...a decent photograph is so very important in trying to get a feeling for tsuba...if you don't have them in hand.

regards,

ford

colorblind72 · October 23, 2009

Thanks Ford,

I'm familiar with your work from both your forum and Donn Fogs' site.

It's very impressive!

How would I go about finding out what this is worth?

Is there anything I need to do to it to preserve it?

Should I insure it?

JJ

Mark Green · October 24, 2009

Hi JJ,

Just keep your tsuba in a soft dry place. You could pick up a box for it.

As for it's value, It is a nice late period tsuba. Without papers, it is only worth what another collector would pay for it. I would just keep it in a safe dry place. Not likely worth insuring, unless you are worried about it's safety.

And yes, those are some great pics.

Mark G

colorblind72 · October 24, 2009

Once again thanks,

here are the measurements

it is 7cm. wide

and 7.3 cm. tall

thanks again,

JJ

Jean · October 31, 2009

This one is a bit larger but it is solid gold (Gingko Biloba motives)

colorblind72 · October 31, 2009

That is a beautiful tree!

b.hennick · October 31, 2009

I have a Ginkgo on my front lawn. As it is fall the leaves turned a bright yellow and are in the process of dropping. Hint from the science teacher in me the correct name is Ginkgo biloba or Ginkgo biloba

Jean · November 1, 2009

Sorry for the dyslexia, Barry, I should have written of course Ginkgo

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