Tsuba in almost relic condition

[Lindus]

I have wondered about this Tsuba for many years, mounted on a first generation Echizen Shigetaka wakazashi aquire in Barnstaple ,North Devon in the 80's, it is {to me} unusual in having copper integrated into the sukashi design. Sadly by the time it came to me some of the iron work had deterioated badly. Boiled in a bath of bees wax at the time seemed to have stopped the active rust.

 

Any ideas of school or period?

 

Regards

Roy

[Lindus]

I have wondered about this Tsuba for many years, mounted on a first generation Echizen Shigetaka wakazashi aquire in Barnstaple ,North Devon in the 80's, it is {to me} unusual in having copper integrated into the sukashi design. Sadly by the time it came to me some of the iron work had deterioated badly. Boiled in a bath of bees wax at the time seemed to have stopped the active rust.

 

Any ideas of school or period?

 

Regards

Roy

 

 

Guess thats beaten everyone

 

Roy

[Gregc]

I can't help you, but damn, that's a beautieful piece!

[Lindus]

I can't help you, but damn, that's a beautieful piece!

 

 

Just a pity that I came across it so late in its life.

 

Roy

[Soshin]

My estimation is Ko-Shoami likely Momoyama period or late Muromachi. The design, overall shape (maru-gata), and shape of seppa-dai and hitsu-ana remind me of Ko-Shoami. The brass inlay work on the sukashi would also be consistent with Ko-Shoami school. I would like to hear other collectors opinions that have more years of experience with this hobby. Posting measurements would also be helpful.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David S. (Soshin)

[RRCOBRA]

I think it is not old enough to be ko shoami but it could be shoami. I think all the damage gives the sense of the piece being older but I don't think it is pre edo. As for the theme it is a torii, cedar trees, and a string. It is described in Japanese at that website but using yahoo bablefish to translate doesn't make complete sense. If I understand the translation it almost sounds like marrriage and the wife keeping tabs on the husband via the string. That sounds about right. Take all of this with a grain of salt, I'm still learning but maybe it will get the discussion going.

 

http://www.finesword.co.jp/sale/kodougu ... 7/1195.htm