Tsuba Identification

[Arkvicnugan]

Greetings,

 

I have recently acquired this tsuba and I believe it to be authentic. I have no other information about its period or school. I am hoping to get an attempted translation of the mei as a clue to it's origin. It is badly worn but maybe someone could point me in the right direction. 

 

Does this design have a particular name?

Was it popular in a region or period? 

 

I am hoping to collect any information available about this so please feel free to share anything. 

 

Up close in person the second character has some detail on the left side that is very difficult to see in photos. 

 

Thanks so much in advance for any attempts or addition information that might point me in the right direction. 

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Evan,

this seems to be a cast copy of a KINAI TSUBA, und unfortunately not a good one. These were made as souvenirs for tourists at the end of the 19th century and later.

The signature on the original may have read ECHIZEN (no) JU KINAI, which means 'Made by a member of the KINAI school in ECHIZEN province'.

You will find many authentic KINAI TSUBA with the 'curled rain dragon, chasing the TAMA' online. 

In my opinion, only the handmade originals are worth collecting.

[Geraint]

Dear Evan.

 

Welcome to NMB.  Here is a comparison example for you. https://world.seiyud...m/product/tu-060320/

 

All the best/

[Arkvicnugan]

Thank you ROKUJURO and Geraint,

 

That certainly gives me the answer I was looking for. Despite the disappointment of it being a replica, the mystery being solved after a month or so of searching being at an end brings me great joy and satisfaction. 

 

My quest in locating a tsuba for this collection continues.