Amazing what a little polish can do

[Jesta]

I have had this little tsuba for a while now, and it has always been a bit plain. I could see the pattern in a good light, but I had resigned myself to the fact that it was probably corroded and faded away. I then had a bit of a brainwave and thought that the scrollwork might be silver and therefore just in need of a bit of a polish. Here’s the before and after…
It’s not something I would do to a good piece, but this was so far gone that I figured that there was not a lot to lose… But I am very pleased with the outcome. 

 

[Jesta]

I meant to ask… Does anyone have any suggestions for the origin of work like this? 
 

Also, any suggestions for the shape at the top? Bird?

[Scogg]

Perhaps a cloud, or a leaf like the motif on the bottom? I think a bird is a good guess too.

 

The swirly zougan work reminds me of a piece I have. Also in poor shape, unless you catch the light just right (see below). Also mystery origin, but I figure mine is not particularly nice. I like it though, and I like yours! 

 

Cheers,

-Sam 

[Kurikata]

My one cent guess: hizen tsuba (nagasaki zogan)

[Jesta]

4 hours ago, Kurikata said:

My one cent guess: hizen tsuba (nagasaki zogan)

Thanks. I was tentatively going in the direction of Nagasaki too. Only because of a hunch really. 

[Jesta]

9 hours ago, GeorgeLuucas said:

Perhaps a cloud, or a leaf like the motif on the bottom? I think a bird is a good guess too.

 

The swirly zougan work reminds me of a piece I have. Also in poor shape, unless you catch the light just right (see below). Also mystery origin, but I figure mine is not particularly nice. I like it though, and I like yours! 

 

Cheers,

-Sam 

I can’t quite see, but if your decoration is silver, or brass, then a little careful application of some polish might bring it out,

 

I like it. These little tanto tsuba are really pretty. 

[goo]

On 1/17/2025 at 8:19 AM, Jesta said:

I have had this little tsuba for a while now, and it has always been a bit plain. I could see the pattern in a good light, but I had resigned myself to the fact that it was probably corroded and faded away. I then had a bit of a brainwave and thought that the scrollwork might be silver and therefore just in need of a bit of a polish. Here’s the before and after…
It’s not something I would do to a good piece, but this was so far gone that I figured that there was not a lot to lose… But I am very pleased with the outcome. 

 

I have noticed with this type of surface inlay it is so thin that the iron oxide/ rust/ patina whatever you want to call it, blooms up and over the silver and gold and buries it.     You mentioned silver polish.  A pencil eraser works very well when applied gently in unidirectional slow strokes.  You don't have to use water to remove any residue.