CurtisR

Thank you Piers - I've added them to my research book collection list...it's interesting to me that 'now days' there doesn't seem to be as many books written or studies done (perhaps because it would be a re-stating of those already out?) on these subjects. I also really enjoy Nihonto, and it seems many books still come out regarding them but it's such a huge subject as well. I looked up the ISBN for the other and it's pretty rare, but found a used copy so I ordered it! All-in-all, pretty neat stuff regardless!! Thanks again - I may take the little guy to the show in Feb. and see what others might know about it. I'm also guessing 19th C, just from the other works I saw. Best Regards, Curt R.

I was doing some research today and found the following info - it shows many examples (although, humbly, I don't think as nice as my example lol) of Tobacco or (probably more likely) money pouches from the late Edo to early Meiji periods...with very similar examples of 'menuki' as closures. I'll post a couple of images. Interestingly enough, none of the work is signed or attributed to a certain smith. I sure like it though . Seems they were fairly high-end to have made or possess. Sad that the makes never took credit though. Best, Curt R.

Thank you Piers! And I'm heading to Amazon next to see if I can find a copy of that book :D . Curt R. ---------------- Fudoshin ~

Isn't it Piers? If I had the $.....haha. And thank you for looking - just Whenever it comes to mind, and if you find anything please let me know! Best, Curt R.

I am currently building a sword Tansu (Dansu) in a 2-drawer model using antique ones as an example. As I'm no master-craftsman, it's taking a while but getting there. I'm Building it from Kiri wood purchased from a source here in the U.S. with repro hardware. For a 'simple box', it's a lot of work - that I DO know! Just my $.02 worth.... Curt R.

Thanks for your reply Piers - yes, I found many references to his print work but nothing relating to metal work so figured I was way off. It was a 'shot in the dark' but the clasp on the offered pouch (mid to early Edo and very pretty work ) seemed very similar. Ill post the link to the auction... Thanks for your kind compliment on my clasp - I bought it on a whim because it seemed to be very nice work :D . http://www.ebay.com/itm/160664229451?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Best, Curt R.

I posted pics of this tabaco clasp "menuki" several weeks ago. While running around 'evil-bay' I found a pouch with a clasp of very similar work. The silver work on the pouch was signed "Kikugawa". I attempted many searches for the school's work and found only a "Kikugawa Eizan" who made Tsuba in the early Edo period. Does anyone know of a good resource for works by this school? I'd like to nail down the possible smith/maker to some degree if possible. Many thanks! Curt R. ---------------

As a novice I can't help much but I do know the first photo's 'flower' is a Cherry Blossom. Interested to see what the others have to say so I can learn as well. Curt R.

Thank you!! Best, Curt R.

I know others here can help with dating, etc - thanks for sharing the pics...seems like very pretty hada to my untrained eye. Personally I find the humor in the Tsuba to be "fitting" (sorry, couldn't help it). Best, Curt R.

Thank you Ian - the design as you describe it; in a river letting the water tighten and soak the cart-wheel. I think it is designed or cut as it is to 'flow' (sorry for the bad pun :lol: ), The water-wheel design is very different - but those are still very pretty Tsuba --- as I'm learning these things I'm also learning to interpret what I see differently, which helps tremendously. I am constantly amazed by the knowledge here...wish I'd started learning years ago but here I am, and enjoying it very much. Best to all, Curt R.

Beautiful - and I agree that the natural lighting makes the details stand out --- great design and strength to it. Best, Curt R.

I've also been doing a bit of reading on cloisonne work and there are some incredible examples. The water wheel motif is absolutely the same 'feel'. Thanks!

Wow - beautiful! Thanks for posting it Henry - amazing to see the variations and the qualities. Curt R.

I like that point-of-view Henry. I think this one's decent, and now that I 'see' the water wheel, I enjoy it even more. Thanks to everyone for their help. also!! Best, Curt R.

I did some researching and agree David - I'm guessing it's a 'water wheel' design. Common, but I still enjoy it. Thanks for the hint! Regards, Curt R.

Most interesting - and yes, the Shinryo does have the same 'feel' to it as the one I'm looking over (more refined and I can certainly see the difference, which is very helpful). The more I see of the mokome grain, the more I enjoy it in the different forms. Thanks everyone for their help - I'm learning a ton! Sincere thanks, Curt R.

Greetings all, I've searched the board for info. on Sukashi Tsuba but can't figure out what the design in this one might be....a snail perhaps? Any thoughts would be helpful - I'm guessing it's very late Edo but have included some extra pics in case I'm wrong about that :? . Many thanks, Curt R.

Nicely put Jean - I like that as well. And as a student of Iai, I don't feel 'low' either although learning all of these new things is making me much more aware of the connection between the two. Since I'm fairly new to the boards however, I will now silence myself and listen Best, Curt R.

Thank you Mr. Stiles - your explanation makes very good sense! The Tsuba I'm pondering does look to be nicely constructed, but slightly 'off center' (although perhaps this doesn't matter) but may have been enough for the personal artist to leave off his name. In short, I like the Tsuba itself and if I can negotiate a decent price, I'll probably pick it up just for my collection vs. a real investment piece. One of the things I'm enjoying most about all of this is the (I mean this sincerely) detective work involved in figuring it all out or at least coming up with 'Probable Cause' for lack of a better term . Hopefully, better photos to follow in a day or so ~~ Sincerelt, Curt R.

Thank you very much for your thoughts Henry - I will see if the price is 'reasonable', or if we can reach that point. I looked at some different examples and it just didn't seem to have the finesse of other works. I won't hold you to it being a true work, but it's nice to know it could be. If i get it in my hands, I'll absolutely get sharper images as well. Many thanks!! Curt R.

Very well said Keith, I agree. Best Regards, Curt R.

Hi David, Here is what the seller sent me - states it's "Myochin" (I'm thinking there were several levels of students for this school / maker?) --- omote & ura pics attached. Size is described as about 8sm x 7cm but not thickness is given. From the photos it looks to be decent work but thought I'd see what others thought before beginning the bargaining process. I hope this helps? Thanks in advance! Sincerely, Curt R.

Well yes, it's a martial arts thing of course...I doubt I'll be seeing much bowing at the Florida show in Feb. --- wouldn't that make it more of a square dance?? Also, just to be clear, when one bows to the sword it's not with the intent or feeling of being it's 'bee-otch'. Just respect and taking it seriously. Best, Curt R.

Sorry - images here: