Tsuba Identificarion

[TsubaCy]

Hi dear all

Just came back from Japan where I acquired what I hope to be the first of many tsuba's as I has fascinated by the history surrounding them as well as the katanas! Came with authentication papers and although it looks like kenjo style with a signature, I cannot trace the maker. So I am seeking for help from the experts here

[TsubaCy]

And a photo of the front with the signature.

[ROKUJURO]

TsubaCy,

welcome to the NM board!

Your TSUBA (plural: TSUBA) looks like KAGA. Second KANJI in the MEI seems to be 'IE' (like in NOBUIE).

Please sign all posts at least with your first name plus an initial as we all do. 

[TsubaCy]

Thank you!

Name is Antonis

Any info regarding maker in this case? It's not a kenjo? I apologise for the newbie questions in advance

 

Antonis C.

[ROKUJURO]

Antonis,

yes, it may be a KENJO style TSUBA. 

( Kenjo means: presentation, a gift of an object to a superior or an equal. This type of TSUBA was often made as a gift, usually from one DAIMYO to another or anyone with the wealth to afford a TSUBA such as this, with the hope that some favour might be granted, or that an alliance could be obtained." (Haynes)).

Sorry, I cannot read the first KANJI in the signature.

[TsubaCy]

Tks for the clarification mate ! I took a better picture hope it might be more clear.

 

Antonis C.

[John A Stuart]

This is definitely a kenjo tsuba made by Kyoto artist Atsuie 敦家 Even the kao matches. ca. 1700 John

[MauroP]

Hi Antonis,

here below the transcription of the relevant part of your origami:

龍宮図鐔 - Ryūgū zu tsuba

象嵌銘 敦家(印) - zōgan-mei Atsuie (in)

鉄地丸形布目象嵌 - tetsu-ji maru-gata nunome-zōgan

 

Ryūgū is the “Palace of the Dragon King”, said to be located at the bottom of the sea.

Atsuie is reported indeed as mid Edo - Kyōto - kenjō-tsuba artist in Signatures of Japanese Sword Fittings Artists by Markus Sesko.

Mauro

 

(I see now that John was faster than me)

[TsubaCy]

Thank you so much guys!! It's really nice to know the maker I can search for his work now How about the 3rd kanji on his signature? Or is it irrelevant?

 

Antonis C.

[John A Stuart]

It is not a kanji, it is a kao. John

[TsubaCy]

All clear now, thank you????