Tsuba question

[jasongarabedian]

What is the reason for some antique tsuba to have those holes filled with material that doesn't match?

Example:

 

http://www.aoi-art.com/fittings/tsuba/F08411.html

 

Thanks,

 

Jason

[nagamaki - Franco]

Ategane – 当金 – A metal plug placed in the Kozuka or Kogai-ana. Also refered to as Ume ( 埋 )

 

http://kodogunosekai.wordpress.com/kodogu-glossary/

[Guido]

Ategane – 当金 – A metal plug placed in the Kozuka or Kogai-ana. Also refered to as Ume ( 埋 )

With all due respect to Rich - since the NBTHK refers to inlets as Ategane, and plugs as Ume, I'd rather stick with their definition.

[jasongarabedian]

Is it purely for cosmetic reasons or was there a practical reason behind using ategane/ume?

 

Thanks,

 

Jason

[kbt]

I would like to add another question if I may, if the saya does not have a kozuka is it improper to use a tsuba with the opening for one ? Forgive me for not knowing the proper names for everything, I'm just starting to learn.

Thanks

Kim

[Mark Green]

Jason,

 

I would say the 'plug' matches very well. It is likely shakudo, a copper, and gold alloy.

It looks quite nice to me.

 

Yes, it is fine to use a tsube with a kozuke ana if there is no Kozuke. Many later period tsuba have these ana. You don't have to have the tools.

[kbt]

Thanks Mark

Kim