Unusual tsuba help

[Alaen]

Hi I have the chance to add this tsuba to my collection but I have my doubts about this one first I have no experience on tsuba but seems nice to display and looks very clean like new made and that is why I’m scared any help would appreciate a approximate price , sealer only knows come from Ken Clarke collection?      Alaen: 

[Spartancrest]

Hi Alaen, theme is Bukan and his Tiger, It doesn't look like it was ever mounted and may never have been intended to fit on a sword, I can't be sure of its age but it could be a "presentation" piece given as a present to a superior. It might be worth a gamble but that would depend on how much the dealer was asking.

Same theme on this one in the Walters https://art.thewalte...bukan-and-his-tiger/ 

Image is enhanced  [museums can't work out the lighting!] 

[Spartancrest]

Can I ask if it is signed on the back? [ura] If so can you show an image? 

[Franco]

Desire is the cause of suffering.

[Matsunoki]

Well, it’s not a fake, that’s a great start. It is actually (imo) superbly made/carved perfectly beautifully capturing the way the Japanese portray Tigers. My money would be on a Meiji “work of art” tsuba rather than one intended to be mounted especially as the design virtually covers the nakago ana. However it could be a more modern piece fashioned by a very skilled craftsman. The material at first looks copper with gold and shakudo highlights. Overcleaned shakudo is another possibility but unlikely as the other shakudo details have retained their patination.

I would happily own it as a great work of art depending on price. Another possibility that just crossed my mind is that it is an unfinished piece.

@Ford Hallam is the man on this.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Alaen,

Cut a piece of black paper the shape and size of the seppa-dai and place it on the tsuba on your screen. Now ask yourself, "Does the design still work?" As a general rule (exceptions for tsuba made in very late Edo and later which often were made to suit western taste) seppa dai were left plain because they would be invisible when mounted. Well made and well designed tsuba use this negative space as part of the design.

In this case, you have the man and the front half of a tiger with a disembodied tail across the seppa-dai; the design doesn't work for me. I have to disagree with Colin; I think the carving is clumsy, not well done. I wouldn't collect this one.

Grey

[kissakai]

I'm with Grey

To have the design over the seppa dai to me a no no

 

[Matsunoki]

Tsuba were made in Meiji in this way purely as art items aimed at gaijin, not intended to be mounted.

[Winchester]

I am not sure if this helps; however, I am a bit conflicted.

 

I like it as art, but not as a tsuba.

 

It would take me some getting used to; but this is purely my opinion and subjective.

[Matsunoki]

Also think it would look a lot better with correct patina….at the moment it looks very harsh.

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

Agree with the above re: nakago ana

[Alaen]

Thank you all for the support agree I like it as art, but not as a tsuba I have the same filling on this one