Tsuba Collection research #4

[edzo]

Greetings members thought I'd post more images and descriptions for your enjoyment or discussion, if you are so inclined. I'm a beginner and need all the help i can get and welcome that. The entire collection will be offered for sale at a future date.

Respectfully, Ed F

[Curran]

Q80: Mitsuoki, (of Otsuki school) eh? A popular name that is often forged. Without checking, my instincts looking at the signature think it is gimei. If you can provide a close-up, I will give a better yes/no on whether signature is legit. Never the less, the tsuba looks like a good nara-derivative work. If unsigned, I would think it from the Uchikoshi school of Ichijosai Hirotoshi and his many students.

When a tsuba is nicer like this, I wouldn't mind owning it even as a gimei...but value is diminished.

 

Q84: Will look at Haynes Index later. Nice enough tsuba, and description seems correct. Just the name is a bit of a mystery.

 

Q86: At a glance, it seems correct to me. Nice well made little thing.

[edzo]

Dear Curran,

 

Thanks for the participation. I am on the run right now but will scan a close-up of the signature later. Regarding Q80; Christies expert, Sebastian Izzard among others commented that "the Kao may have been added later". You can expect me to send it off this evening. Thanks again, Ed F

[edzo]

Dear Curran,

As you requested I've attempted to capture the signature with two scans, if these are not clear enough, I will take a macro photo. That will take a days delay for me but let me know. Thanks for your help, Respectfully, Ed F.

[docliss]

Dear Ed, I await Curran's opinion regarding the Mitsuoki tsuba, but to my eye neither the quality of the work nor the mei (supposedly a late one) are correct for the work of that master. His work is extensively forged, and I believe this to be another example of such. John L.

[Curran]

Dear Ed,

 

I regret to tell you I am fairly sure it is gimei.

 

I heavily rely upon Wakayama's 3 volume set to confirm signatures. Even allowing for the variation of signature over Mitsuoki's long career, there are certain key points in his signature that remain incredibly consistent. I find yours has a few not large but distinct faults. As it has been noted, he was a very popular target for forging his signature.

If it matters to you or anyone else, I've seen too many Mitsuoki signatures that were relatively close to 'correct' and show some familiarity with the particulars of his style. Given that he had so many students running around in his workshop and whatnot, I believe either some students signed works in his master's name (per workshop direction) or were responsible for the forgeries that are on the market.

 

I don't have use of a scanner at moment, so I cannot scan in pages of Wakayama for comparison. Here is a kozuka for sale with a page from Wakayama:

http://www.nihonto.us/OTSUKI%20MITSUOKI%20KOZUKA.htm Disregard the kozuka and compare the reference signature to your own. Focus especially on the second character of his name and the stroke order and directions of certain strikes.

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I do like the Ishiguro looking tsuba you have up. I'm not particularly strong on the Ishiguro school, and am not too confident it is Ishiguro work. Rather, it just seems a very good work- whatever it is.

 

Keep them coming. I will be away on work next week, but will stop in NMB to see what you post. The exercise is good, and you've posted some good pieces so far. I'm hoping for a great one or two.

[edzo]

Thank You very much Curran. I wonder if Dr Compton was aware that, probably so. Lesson learned (by me); don't assume the source (In this case Christies),is always correct because of their brand. I should have been more diligent confirming the information provided. Thanks again Curran, Ed F.

[edzo]

Dear docliss, John M, thank you for your participation. Ive only endeavored my interest and research efforts for several months and yes, i have a long way to go. I wanted to thank you for participating and pass on my gratitude, Thanks again Ed F., sorry for the delay.

[Curran]

Wakayama-san's work was mostly published in the late 1970s, with his main set being c. 1982? Probably the bulk of Dr. Compton's collecting predates it and was sword centric. At his level of collecting, if he knew- he probably didn't care and enjoyed it for the workmanship. The longer I collect, the more open I am to owning a gimei or two if the workmanship is excellent.

 

As for Christies, well... not my cup of green tea unless it has papers and I can go to the auction and inspect the items in person. Sometimes incredible items come through, but it certainly is Buyer Beware and there is significant legalese involved.

[edzo]

Thanks for the perspective Curran, I had not considered the collector perspective. I never compare others to myself but i must admit, when i purchase an item (of art), at an auction sale or otherwise, i condition myself and prepare to pay an amount, for the most part, what the item is worth to me. If it makes my heart sing, i push the bar sometimes but rarely with regret.

Respectfully, and appreciative,

Ed F.