Chinese Copy???

[dwmc]

Recently purchased this Tsuba from Japanese dealer. I'm puzzled with the kanji, I believe it is Goto Chengjo with possibly a Hanayoshi kanji symbol (kao). Was there a Goto smith Chengjo or is this a Chinese copy ???

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Dave M.

[dwmc]

Additional photos

[Jesta]

I can’t comment on the mei, but the rest of the tsuba doesn’t look like Goto work. The nanako look cast rather than punched - take that with the appropriate amount of salt given that I can only look at the photo… 

This is an example of Goto school work with figures:

https://www.bonhams....arly-18th-century-3/ 

[Spartancrest]

Sorry it is mass produced, they can come in several coloured finishes and also a "daisho" pair is available. I will try and find some other examples for you.

[dwmc]

Thanks Justyn and Dale. Agree, things just didn't seem right with the tsuba...

[Spartancrest]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404336982792

   

There are usually a few getting about at once - except when you start trying to find them!  These also have a stamped in Ume/Ategane with applied colour - no way you could 'pop' them out.

Hey you got a "free" box that is something 

[Spartancrest]

https://www.jauce.com/auction/p1166440099

Starting to find them now - some like this have no 'iroe' colour added.   They were meant to deceive, the cast in tagane-ato is a good touch to look convincing. 

 

The matching 'Daisho' is here https://www.ebay.com/itm/226478001685     US $339.99   WTF!!!!

   

Both hitsu are cast-in on this size. Tagane-ato are the same as the other guard [Lazy!]

 

 A particularly poor cast 'set' from some old ebay sales. [These would not have fooled anyone!]

I really need to do a book on all these fakes - no good just being stuck in my head. 

[dwmc]

Excellent information Dale...Thanks much!

[Spartancrest]

I can't help noticing there is a lot of confusion with the signature - Goto Tonojo     Goto Hosono     Goto Teijo   Goto Chengjo     Maybe Google translate has something to do with it?  Just goes to prove never buy for the signature 

[Spartancrest]

Stumbled on this thread dealing with the same tsuba - many more images to compare.

Special note is the entry February 26, 2014  Even Haynes had a fake and didn't realise it! Just the gold paint work was a bit more lavish if a little "excessive".  

 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/167200854188

 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/156597373008

I did say there can be "a few getting about" like these side by side on ebay!    when in doubt charge the buyer a fortune!

[dwmc]

Ok great, I see I'm just the latest to fall for the ruse. Hard to believe the prices the thieves are asking, but then again, what's new with fraudsters, only paid $27 US, yet still........

[Spartancrest]

8 hours ago, dwmc said:

only paid $27 US, yet still..

Well you did not get stung too bad, some "well known" fakes sell for thousands to the unwary, usually because some auction salesman gives them a glowing spiel.

https://www.bonhams....period-19th-century/

https://www.invaluab...eim-220-c-19f4a14bbb

https://www.ebay.ph/itm/395560256220

 

How about a giant wall hanger for just    US $3828.65   https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/266973744942   

[dwmc]

Tsuba Dragon Armor Sengoku Warlord Diagram Musha Battle Diagram Named Sword Japanese Sword Sword Imitation Sword Sword Tsuba Japanese Sword Equipment Weaponry Period Storehouse ■ From Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture J4 24-3944 /【Buyee】 Buyee - Japanese Proxy Service | Buy from Japan!

 

Yep, and on it goes...

[dwmc]

And another variation;

 

:鍔 Tsuba Dragon Armor Sengoku Warlord Diagram Musha Battle Map Inscription Sword Japan Sword Imitation Sword Japan Sword Orthotics Armor Age Kurade■From Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture J4 24-3945 /【Buyee】 Buyee - Japanese Proxy Service | Buy from Japan!