Tsuba Information

[Edward G]

Good Day to everyone! Attached are pictures of a Tsuba I have owned for a while. I believe it is made by Masa Toshi who was a resident of Bushu Province. |t appears to be a tree depicted on both sides. I have very limited knowledge concerning Tsubas as to schools, etc. The quality and condition look good to me. Does anyone have any additional information as to the maker or period in which this item would be dated, and overall relative quality?

 

 

 

 

Edward G.

[smac401]

Edward G.

The tsuba is a beautiful peice of work, looking forward to seeing what information you find out about it.

 

Steve M.

[Edward G]

Thanks Steve, anyone have any opinions on the style or maker of this Tsuba? Upon examination you can see the intricate detail, each petal on the flower has just a small spot of gold in the center.....

[Surfson]

You are correct, the signature being Bushu Ju Masa Toshi. Classic Bushu work I think. Very nice.

[docliss]

Dear Edward, your tsuba is, as Robert suggests, typical nineteenth century, Bushū work. It depicts, in low relief engraving, the branches and blossom of a cherry tree upon what is essentially a solid-plate tsuba.

 

Haynes lists three Bushū artists using these kanji, which are very formally inscribed on your tsuba` (H 04592.0 –

H 04594.0), but he gives no further details of any of them; presumably one of these three artists is the maker of your tsuba.

 

I am attaching an image of a further tsuba signed BUSHU (NO)JU MASATOSHI, but the mei differs to some extent from that on yours and it is probably by another of Haynes’ three named artists.

 

John L.

[Edward G]

Thank You John, the Tsuba you posted is remarkably similar in appearence to the one I have. Is the reference to Haynes an author for a book? Thanks Again for your input.

[docliss]

Yes, The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists by Robert E Haynes. John L.