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Posted

I have recently become quietly in love with nanako… This one is my latest, and I am still amazed by the quality of the workmanship that went into creating it. The tsuba is tiny, just 6.32 x 5.67cm (it fits comfortably inside the palm of my hand), shakudo decorated with flowers on a nanako ground, while the rim is made to look like plaited material (I think). The signature is Kono Yoshikuni. 

 

I was surprised by how small it was, and how delicate. My current hypothesis is that it was made for a child, or on a larger tanto. 

 

Any other similar examples or information would be appreciated. 

 

 

Kono-1.jpg

Kono-2.jpg

Kono-3.jpg

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Kono-5.jpg

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Posted
  On 8/13/2024 at 12:40 PM, Jesta said:

I have recently become quietly in love with nanako… This one is my latest, and I am still amazed by the quality of the workmanship that went into creating it. The tsuba is tiny, just 6.32 x 5.67cm (it fits comfortably inside the palm of my hand), shakudo decorated with flowers on a nanako ground, while the rim is made to look like plaited material (I think). The signature is Kono Yoshikuni. 

 

I was surprised by how small it was, and how delicate. My current hypothesis is that it was made for a child, or on a larger tanto. 

 

Any other similar examples or information would be appreciated. 

 

 

Kono-1.jpg

Kono-2.jpg

Kono-3.jpg

Kono-4.jpg

Kono-5.jpg

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A quick search turned up your piece, so I'm assuming it came with certification: https://sword-auction.com/en/product/14561/af22531-鍔:河野芳邦(花押)(保存刀装具)/

 

Another Kono school work of similar style: kantei-tsuba-formal-omote-1920x1914.jpg

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Posted
  On 8/13/2024 at 12:50 PM, Jesta said:

Yes, with NBTHK papers… 

 

Thanks for the example. It’s beautiful. 

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Wait and see what some of the forums veteran experts say, but I think you picked up a great tsuba with a beautiful style.

 

I always love this sort of black and gold contrast when it's done skillfully.

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Posted

Nice quality very attractive tsuba. Probably for a compact wakizashi. I’ve got similar sized tsuba on original wakizashi koshirae. Could be for a Tanto but maybe a little bit too big.

Posted
  On 8/13/2024 at 1:15 PM, Matsunoki said:

Nice quality very attractive tsuba. Probably for a compact wakizashi. I’ve got similar sized tsuba on original wakizashi koshirae. Could be for a Tanto but maybe a little bit too big.

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That was my thought… If it is for a wakizashi, then it might be a bit smaller than normal. 

 

Posted

Just for a very quick comparison, here are 3 wakizashi with similar sized tsuba to yours. Actually one is smaller than yours. Of course yours is far finer quality ……more likely for the sword of a wealthy late Edo merchant?

Anyway, it’s not an abnormal size but it is a lovely tsuba. 

IMG_4396.jpeg

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