New Tsuba...

[Soshin]

Hi Everyone,

 

As not to hijack David's topic I decided to start this new topic about a new tsuba I purchased this month. I attributed the tsuba to the Tosho group circa late Muromachi Period. The bassis of this attribution is the color of the patina (very dark brown mixed with black in places), shape and style of rim, thinness of the plate (~3.2 mm), and shape of the kozuka hitsu-ana. I am not completely sure of this attribution but regardless I really like the tsuba. The size of the tsuba is 5.8 x 6.7 cm. Mr. Henry W. attributed the tsuba to Owari Province circa late Edo Period of the Yamamkichibei school. While I do see some characteristics of the Yamakichibei school in terms of the sukashi and the tsuba does have iron bones along the rim the tsuba isn't signed with the mei of Yamakichi or similar mei which is characteristic of that schools later work. It is a plain mumei characteristically like early Tosho group work. Would love other opinion, questions, and comments. Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles

[Ron STL]

Attractive little tsuba. The Yamakichibei call would had likely come from the radiating lines on although if Yamakichibei, I would think these would be made finer (not as bold). The tsuba does appear to have some age, so I'd call it more late Muromachi or early Edo as opposed to late Edo. It could be the work of a swordsmith but it is not like the classic tosho tsuba we think of when you say "tosho." Let's see what others have to say about it.

 

Ron H.

[Henry Wilson]

Just to make things clear.

 

Soshin asked me:

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Quick question what early Owari school would you classify my tsuba as?

 

And this was my reply:

 

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Hi David

 

I am not that well versed in Owari sub groups. If I were to flick through Owari To Mikawa No Tanko, I would expect to see something like it under Yamakichibei. At a guess I would say a late-ish Edo period Yamakichibei koubasaku 工場作. The metal, the roundness of the sukashi cuts and the general feel makes me think so,... but like I say this is just a guess and I am probably way off. I am sure other members could give you a more concrete answer though...

[Soshin]

Hi Everyone,

 

It should be noted that in regards to rim thickness it is greater then the seppa-dai. This is very different then all the other Tosho tsuba featured in the article which consistently had greater thickness at the seppa-dai. I discuss more about this attribution point in my JSSUS article. I ordered a copy of Owari to Mikawa no Tanko for my study.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles