Ed

As some here like older iron tsuba, I thought I would share some photos of a very old tsuba, a Kofun period Tsuba. This style of tsuba is known a Toran Kei (Toran meaning egg shaped) and are some of the earliest known works of Japanese tsubako. The eight trapezoidal sukashi cut into the plate are a typical design seen on this style of tsuba. This tsuba was made from unfolded coarse, but relatively soft iron. The plate is very heavy and uniform in thickness, showing minimal deterioration. Most of these examples were excavated from ancient burial grounds during the Kofun period (c. 6th century), making this tsuba around 1500 years old. The first time I held this tsuba I was surprised by it's weight and it's size of 9.7 x 8.5 x 0.5 cm. As well, the nakago ana seemed huge at 3.81 x 2.54 cm, however as I was to learn, these tsuba did not fit directly over the nakago as seen on later swords, but actually fit over a collar in front of the tsuka, hence the large diameter. These tsuba were made for the style of sword known as Chukoto or straight sword. These early swords were a long (36"+), straight, triangular or wedge shaped blade which predates the curved Japanese sword as we know it today. Some of you may have seen this Tsuba in the Samurai exhibit held at the Frazier Museum in Louisville, 2012.

Pete, Don't have a camera ??? Damn, pull a tooth, buy a camera ! Just kidding :lol: That is a very, very nice set!

my bet is on Owari.

I sent one recently without difficulty and am sending another Friday. It is important to have accurate documentation for customs. I include a brief description in layman's terms not nihonto terminology, along with a full length photo and a close up of the nakago, and a photo of the papers if applicable, correct tariff code, etc..

Brian, Welcome to the USA !! Hope you have a great time. Take care in Vegas. Remember what they say, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, except herpes "

Congratulations !!

Hmm, Ok I may pick one up. Thanks John.

John, Are you sure ? I don't mean to question you but I was told that the older book did not match the translation. I never bought one for that reason.

A couple of my tsuba came from dealers which I know on a personal level, so I would have to say the overwhelming majority of my best personal tsuba came from individuals as well. Most people on this board are upstanding individuals whom are a pleasure to do business with. I have bought tsuba from Curran, Mariusz that I can think of right off. Books from Grey, a kozuka from Henry. As far as dealers, my modest array of merchandise and collection pales in comparison to the quality of offerings from Mike Y. / Cyrus C.. If pre-edo iron or soft metal is your thing then Boris is your go to guy. I will say that while I enjoy buying from individuals, I would not hesitate to buy a piece which I had to have regardless of who owned it, be it a personal or commercial venue.

I would like to give my thanks and recognition to each and every one of you as well as all the members of this board and the Nihonto community in general as the finest people on the face of the earth. The years I have participated in this hobby have been a wonderful and positive experience. Though most of you I have never met face to face or done business with, I still consider each and every one of you friends. Here's to you, Again, Thank you all for your very kind comments.

Gee guys, all I can say is Thank you for all of your kind comments. Pete, we both have regrets regarding those menuki, mine is selling them

Know him well, good guy. He did mention to me month's ago that he was having problems with either shipping or non paying customers from several country's and was thinking of no longer selling to those country's. I am fairly sure this was not directed at you personally Gilles, seems like it was related to other stuff he sales like porcelain and glass ware, likely just coincidence. Though I agree he could have replied to you.

Not bad attempts Jean. With so many tiny angles it is difficult to prevent light reflections as in your first shot, second one looks better. Nice details. Macro photography can be fun. Years ago before the digital age I had a 35mm with macro tube. I had hundreds of photos and slides of plants, flowers, bugs, etc., etc. and mostly they all were taken in my own yard. A small area becomes a huge space in the macro world and there are so many things living right at your feet you never pay attention too.

That is one hell of a difference !!! Like day and night. You have a very nice tsuba now Brian. Great job Ford.

Blade looks like a late war type 95, but I have been wrong before.

Sorry for the late reply, thanks for the kind words.

I relayed that info here recently. They can still be submitted however, the Japanese government now requires swords which are not antiques must be declared by an import broker and duties paid. Undated swords are unaffected by this new requirement.

Nice work !! The grain in that Black Walnut is gorgeous.

Mike, Getting in on this thread rather late, but still would like to express my gratitude to you for taking the time to post all of the high quality examples and information you have shared. Seeing these fine examples are such a breath of fresh air from the e-bay junk and low end items posted here so frequently, please continue.

Josh, Here you go: Yamamura Saneo - Chikushi Naginata. http://www.aoi-art.com/auction/en/auction.cgi?acc=disp&no=1351826335&t=1213703271 This naginata was either sold or for sale at Christies several years ago, nice work, rare blade.

Hi Matt, my name is Ed and I am a nihonto addict. welcome.

Thanks Brandon, glad you liked the tsubas. It's all about collecting what you like. If you like militaria, then that's the way to go. The top two swords you posted look to be in pretty good condition. We all could stand more zeros, I'm shooting for more than a couple :D . You may have to start like many of us. Buy and trade up. If you ever enter the Nihonto arena, you could sell all four of your current pieces and buy one Nihonto. Keep it a while and study it, then sell and trade up. Keep doing this and you will eventually have had several nice swords to study, as well they should get better and better. You can do this forever and every year or so you will get a new and better sword to study, or eventually get your hands on something you deem worthy of keeping forever.

Make that Jean was the first to see it. :lol:

Welcomes are given in the new member section (though I can appreciate the sarcasm) after you introduce yourself and offer a little info on yourself along with your real name. You do realize this board is comprised of collectors? Can you grasp how insulting it is to ask for advice, but make it known that you don't like collectors or at least buying from them? As well as how willing you are to throw away your money on e-bay for a fake so obvious that my children could point it out? If you are no more knowledgeable than to inquire on the tsuba posted, YOU should ONLY buy from a collector, NMB member or established dealer and delete your e-bay account. I won't even go into the study first speech. BTW, manners are good too, I didn't see where you said thanks to anyone for saving you $600. Now, you want a real tsuba ? Here is a link to a page of tsuba that I have slashed prices on for the upcoming Christmas sale. It hasn't been put on the web site yet and you are the first to see it. http://yakiba.com/christmas_sale.htm Here at NMB we don't make the collector, we make them better!

Let me see if I have this right. Your friend has a problem buying from legitimate collectors but doesn't mind asking their opinions. He doesn't want to buy a genuine tsuba from an established collector, yet he has considered spending $600 on a pitiful POS fake tsuba on e-bay ?? Brilliant !!!