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Posted

Dear all,

 

I recently got a tsuba that I aesthetically really loved with what I believe is quite clearly a Daruma motif. It is rather larger in size (at approx. 90 mm dia) and is made of iron with hon-zogan depicting the head and what seems to be gold leaf hammered into the iron base depicting the body silhouette. For its size it does not feel too heavy although it is made of iron (tried it with magnet). No signature. Please see the image below. 

 

image.png.1154d6569a0614ebc45e1c26268be7ad.png

 

My question, with which I wanted to dig into the wealth of knowledge among the many wonderful people within this forum, is: would anyone have any idea about origin (what school) and potential age of this tsuba? Basically I have not really seen anything similar to this before (in real life or in literature) so I was wondering if someone has seen anything like this and would have any suggestions or opinions.

 

Wishing you all a very lovely weekend!

 

Lukas

 

 

  • Like 1
Posted

Hi Lukas,

If a tsuba is larger than about 8 cm, especially if there is soft metal inlay, I question authenticity. There were some large and early iron only tsuba - Tosho or katchushi maybe - but this isn't one of them. Imagine if this were mounted: Daruma would be right up against and even partially covered by the seppa and tsuka; it would look odd. My best guess is very late and made to fit western taste.

I'm often wrong. Maybe those who know more will have better news.

Grey

  • Like 1
Posted

Hi Grey,

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. It also seems to me it was never mounted - so what you a I was initially thinking, also given the size - it could be one of those 'shrine gift' tsubas. But what you are saying makes sense as well. Ah well :-)

 

Thanks, have a nice weekend.

 

Lukas

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