Tsuba restoration and random thoughts

[Bungo]

how about restoring a few silver leaves on an old beat up tsuba ?

 

milt the ronin

[John A Stuart]

Hi Milt, That is a good question. One I had asked a few years ago. I got no response at that time. I would like to know who can do restorative work as well. In fact that tsuba of Jim Gilbert that had some ya repaired that was on your sales section and sold, where was that repaired? If there is such a person that will do the work I can imagine he'd be very busy. John

[Bungo]

hhahhaaaa, darn it, i didn't know the old " monster " head with arrow was ex-Gilbert collection............ and the buyer has a matching example ( he told me AFTER the sale was concluded ) !!

Anyway, i know the buyer and i am glad he's the one that bought it.

 

OK, back to the thread.............. Der Ombudsman told me he paid 400 bucks for the repair ( but I can't tell what repair , so it means the repair was good ) which I think a wee bit expensive ( me being the cheapo that i am, Ford, you listening ? ).

 

I think the best one to answer that question is Der Ombudsman himself and he's on this board .

 

milt The ronin

[Brian]

Ford,

 

Be sure to let us know when your website is up, and I'll add the url to the links section.

On another note...Did your training in Japan include any tips to maintaining a good patina on tsuba, and is there any info you would care to share?

Hope I'm not putting you on the spot here

 

Brian

[b.hennick]

OK, back to the thread.............. Der Ombudsman told me he paid 400 bucks for the repair ( but I can't tell what repair , so it means the repair was good ) which I think a wee bit expensive ( me being the cheapo that i am, Ford, you listening ? ).

 

I think the best one to answer that question is Der Ombudsman himself and he's on this board .

 

As for the restoration of the tsuba. It actually cost $375 not $400 and the work was done by a person employed by Cary Condel. Cary's person and I believe in minimal restoration. We both wnat to put something back to the condition that it would have if it was a well kept piece i.e. not new condition. Cary said when restored the piece should paper no problem. I agreed that was the case and was happy with the restoration. As Milt says he can not see where it was done. The arrows and their feathers were worked on. Some rust was removed. I too amy happy that both tsuba are now back together.

[Jim Kelso]

:D

[Bungo]

" As Milt says he can not see where it was done. The arrows and their feathers were worked on. Some rust was removed "

 

since I deleted the pic from the for sale folder..........here it is again if anyone is interested in the " repair ".

 

milt the ronin

[Jim Kelso]

OK as a "Chu Saku" here, I'm going out on a limb. It seems to me some of you guys are really off topic discussing such-and-such repair work on Ford's remarkable tsuba thread. Do you realize how few people(certainly no other I'm aware of outside of Japan, and precious few there) are doing this high-grade work?

 

I guess it's a reflection of the general lack of understanding of the knowledge, skill, artistry and hard work that goes into something like that. Ford has spent years honing his abilities.

 

Would you ask a Yoshihara to sort out your third rate blade?

 

I've never understood why tosogu(outside of Japan) are not more valued and appreciated.

 

My intent is not to step on any toes here, and I'm speaking for myself without consulting Ford.

 

Respectfully, Jim

[Brian]

Jim makes a good point. I do not want the original post watered down with other subjects that belong in their own post. I have split the topic and created this new one for the restoration discussion.

The original post is still at http://www.militaria.co.za/nihontomessa ... highlight= and I would love to see it continue with discussion about Ford's amazing craft.

 

Jim...took a look at your website link (which I will add to the links section this weekend) and must compliment you on some amazing craftsmanship too. Truly outstanding tutorials and information. It is a pity it takes a post like this to bring some of the relatively unknown (here anyways) craftsmen out of the woodwork so to speak.

 

I for one would love to see you and Ford create the occasional thread about your own works and your studies, and I will do my best to keep it on topic

 

Regards,

Brian

 

PS - I don't think there is so much of a general lack of understanding and appreciation of Tosogu in this community, as a general informal vibe that perhaps does not properly convey the awe that many of us hold towards these crafts. We all know it is difficult to represent emotion on the internet, and while we may privately stand in awe while looking at these art objects...the informal vibe is often meant to create a feeling of being able to discuss things that are sometimes way above our own level of study or understanding..or sometimes just a way of encouraging further input from others. In this way many are able to participate in discussion and hopefully further their education without always being on the sidelines.

I think there are some stunning collections and knowledge held here amongst our members that do not come across in the posts or tones. Some of our most advanced collectors lurk here on the forum, and only read, so if this brings out some of them and encourages participation that we can all learn from, then we have at least achieved something. This is the nature of the internet, and something that is a necessary evil when linking 25 or so countries in one field of interest.

 

Long day, and I'm not quite focussed, so I hope this makes some sense

[Jim Kelso]

Thanks Brian. You make some very good points. Perhaps I reacted too emotionally to a near and dear topic. As a newcomer, I will try to step back a bit.

 

Hope no offense was taken.

 

[Brian]

Jim,

No offence taken by me (and I hope no-one else)

I think sometimes we are so busy looking outside of the forum at ancient art and artists, that we sometimes miss the craftsmen here right under our noses

We also sometimes get so fixated at antiques that we can easily forget that today many works are being created that will be the masterpieces studied years from now.

 

Judging by your website, I am glad this subject brought you out into the open. Like Ford, you are a highly trained metalworker that specialises in varied techniques including Japanese styles? Great page.

 

Brian

[Bungo]

dudes,

take it easy......afterall it's my dumb message about an eye candy book that outed Ford THE artist from the freaking closet.

 

milt The ronin

[Jim Kelso]

Sorry Milt. Just a temporary nerve-up on my part. :?

[Bungo]

no need to say sorry Jim.......beautiful works you have on your site. I love the treatment of the leaves in particular. :D

 

Man, we have at least TWO great modern artists on this message board specialise in nature !! Indeed a good start for 2007.

 

milt the ronin

[sencho]

Jim,

 

Please don't take a step back!!!

 

Love the website and the peices that you have made.... fantastic... Especially "Earl Gey Time" .... excellent!

 

Don't worry about Mlt... he has to look in people 'pie holes' all day :lol:

 

Cheers

[Bungo]

Jim,

 

Please don't take a step back!!!

 

Love the website and the peices that you have made.... fantastic... Especially "Earl Gey Time" .... excellent!

 

Don't worry about Mlt... he has to look in people 'pie holes' all day :lol:

 

Cheers

 

well, excusseeeeeeeeee meeeeeeeeee, anyway, it's true, don't mind me too much.

Kapitan, I may be able to break the 8th lap soon.........stay tuned.

 

milt the ronin

[Jim Kelso]

Thanks for the welcome guys. After I made my initial post I actually took the time to read some of the other posts, and it's clear that my rant about appreciation of tosogu was unwarranted. Thanks for allowing me to gently extricate my foot from my mouth.

 

I will check in regularly, but, again, let me emphasize, in terms of practiced application in this realm, Ford is da Man.

[Ford Hallam]

Aw! shucks Jim, you're making me blush....and you know how unabashed I am! Thanks for expressing your well meaning indignation too.

 

hey Milt! I was quite comfortable in my closet actually, now I have to deal with people and stuff....

 

cheers, and here's to an excellent new year to you all.