Strange Kashira

[sanjuro]

The strange little kashira attached was on ebay recently. It intrigued me since I had never seen its like before. It was only a few bucks so I bought it (curiosity is a curse). It is obviously a tanto kashira and is quite nicely executed with a sort of primitive gama hada style finish the individual small pieces of silver however have not been totally globulised as in 17th century gama hada.

 

I wondered if someone on NMB could enlighten me as to age, possibly a style definition etc.

[msc-art]

just watching her, and wait for others comments

[Bazza]

just watching her, and wait for others comments

HAHAHAHAHA - SO AM I. That's how I get into trouble!!! The only comment I can make is that this looks like a Higo-style kashira that has seen better days...

Regards,

BaZZa.

[b.hennick]

Here is a link to a similar kashira. Yours is just a little worse for wear... Still Higo I think.

http://www.sanmei.com/Pictures/Sword/T1 ... 9_PUP2.jpg

[sanjuro]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the response.

Yes it is the little worse for wear although since receiving it, I have given it a gentle clean with surprisingly good results. The red rust is well and truly gone and the original patina that remains is still intact. Its amazing what a little patience, a toothbrush and a bit of warm water and soap will achieve. Not as nice as the example in the link but still quite acceptable. What sort of age would this piece likely to be? I'm not a tosugu man at all, so I havent a clue.