Chrysanthemum

[Okan]

Hello guys, 

 

Here is an interesting piece, Momoyama period perhaps? Nunome zogan on 3 petals on both sides, but I can't see any remains of silver or gold...An early experiment piece maybe?

 

 

[kissakai]

That is interesting

Mine is quite different and quite a bit later but the cross hatching is very similar

 

[FlorianB]

In my eyes the piece seems to be mere a model.

 

Best, Florian

[ROKUJURO]

Florian,

as SHINCHU and SENTOKU were very valuable materials, I don't think so. Also, the SEPPA-DAI shows traces of long-term use, so I believe it has some age to it.

[Matsunoki]

6 hours ago, FlorianB said:

mere a model.

Interested to hear why you think that.

[Spartancrest]

I know we are talking almost microscopic details here but I can't help noticing the nunome scoring has skipped over the petals in one segment. Early type of work or a rushed job? 

[I think OLD - IMHO]

       What could have caused this? 

 

Tagane-ato gone wrong?

[FlorianB]

Hi Colin,

 

it was just an idea.

 

Indeed I haven’t considered the former value of these materials as Jean mentioned.

 

BTW: Have there been models at all?

 

Best,
Florian

[Spartancrest]

57 minutes ago, FlorianB said:

Have there been models at all?

Yes there are models made see this thread: 

 

[ROKUJURO]

Concerning the cross-hatching areas, they are usually larger than needed for the application of the NUNOME ZOGAN decoration The exceeding area is usually burnished down later in the process with a MIGAKI-BO, if I am correctly informed.

But admittedly, this TSUBA is a bit of an enigma. The cross-hatching does not show remaining traces of gold or silver, so the TSUBA may have been used only half finished. The cross-hatching is not recently done in my opinion; it looks used and the usually sharp edges are rounded.

I have no good explanation for the defects on the SEPPA-DAI. Taking samples for scientific material analysis?  

Who knows? Perhaps Ford? 

[Rodenbacher]

It looks to me as if an apprentice has practiced the technique on an old piece. It's definitely a Tsuba which was in use, but not a very precious one, so maybe it was taken from an old sword and used as a practicing piece. Also the marks on the seppa-dai could be traces of trying some sort of a tool by an apprentice.