LouisF Posted April 15 Report Posted April 15 Hello everyone, I hope it's ok to ask this kind of questions here, didn't see anything stating the opposite the section about sellers and auctions seemed to be about online shops. I'm new to the world of Tsuba, the other day I have found a store in Kyoto selling a great choice tsubas and Japanese swords. I wanted to buy one as a present but I know there are a lot of fakes around, so I wanted to ask the experts if they see any sign of blatant forgery. If it's possible to tell from such a picture. Never mind the price tag, everything seems to be pretty expensive in Kyoto. I've also heard that tsubas who were heavily decorated weren't really used in combat, is this true? 1 Quote
Spartancrest Posted April 15 Report Posted April 15 Hi Louis and welcome! Perfect place to ask. I think the tsuba is genuine - possibly late Edo - not top of the line but good. Sages studying a makimono [scroll]. You are correct the decorative tsuba were not used in warfare as such - at the time there was very little warfare going on, maybe a few personal feuds. The decorated tsuba were a means of showing status or wealth, Samurai didn't wear jewellery as such and displayed their wealth in their swords, inro and tobacco pouches. 2 Quote
LouisF Posted April 15 Author Report Posted April 15 Thank you, Spartancrest! Possibly late Edo, I see, nice to know a little bit more about it. Well, I presume top of the line tsuba are sold for a lot more than around $200, right? In the same shop I saw this other one which looks absolutely amazing but it costs a couple of grands, definitely outside of my means, but still nice to have the chance to admire it! (Sorry for the out of focus pic) 2 Quote
Spartancrest Posted April 15 Report Posted April 15 It looks very grand, Soten or Hikone style. I think from the work invoved in making it, you could expect the higher price. Out of my price range as well. Quote
SteveM Posted April 15 Report Posted April 15 I'm sure the red "hozon" seal on the tag means that bottom tsuba received the Hozon (or "worthy of preservation") appraisal, and comes with that authentication paper. So yes it looks like an authenticated Sōten piece, as Dale says (hence, the elevated price). I also agree with his thoughts on the top tsuba (the one for 33,000). The theme might be the sages Kanzan and Jittoku. Authentic Japanese antique, probably from the 1800s. Another view and explanation of this theme. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/25684 2 Quote
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