Dr Fox

This is another tsuba out of my box of bits, would be pleased to hear its not a tap washer. Many thanks. Denis

The illustration of a riflescope recticle design, also has me puzzled, as an answer to a tsuba question. This has got to be worth watching, for its explanation alone

Thanks Thierry I meant the rim was not a solid part, i.e. added after the tsuba was made, but not a later addition.and thanks for the link. And I hope you guys are going to turn me into a serious student, I am spending a fortune on books. Denis

In all honesty, I had no expectations of value or age when I bought this Tsuba, it cost very little money! It just appealed, but now it appeals more! I had no idea of its construction, or its type, although I did wonder at the rim which is an obvious addition. Ok so its not top class or of great age, but in its favour I have fitted it on a serious katana, and have drawn comments in its favour, a case of a goose pretending to be a swan. :lol: Thanks all. Denis.

Hi John J. No its not the case at all, in fact its just the kind of help I had requested and am getting. I see what you are saying and it was a worry that I had! 'Where do I begin?' Start at the back of a book, you knew who dunnit, but you don't know what they did! Your reference to yet another book will be a great help, and I thank you for it. I found the following quote summed me up exactly. I appreciate your time. Cheers Denis.

I have had this tsuba for some time, and I am wondering if there is some story with the various designs shown, both sides have the same details. Denis.

Thanks for your thoughts Jussi My thinking is on the same lines as yours, I know this subject is not easy, and takes time and a million examples before it makes sense. I have the utmost respect, for those who have done their research, and can now obtain accurate results in such a casual manner. All that being said, I would imagine, an immense sense of achievement, would be felt at the early stages of translation success, even if a little help is given. And of course having examples of mei, in books and internet brings a host of study materiel into the home. My first moves, are to gather in the recommended 'tools' suggested to me, and to move slowly from there. Cheers Denis.

Hi Matt I found and have bought the book in this country. Hi Thierry Thank you too for your input, on your advice I have sourced and bought your suggested book. Regards both Denis.

Thanks Matt Found this book in the US good price but don't ship to UK, no probe try another source. Regards Denis.

Thanks a lot Veli You have given me a start in the right direction, I will look at all the aspects of study you have mentioned, and as to the comment on fascination, I can identify with that. Your response to my request is appreciated, and with the backup of other members, I intend to give this some serious time. Regards Denis.

That's as close as one could get! The Takahashi clan pre dates 716, and have a recorded history, in fact some of the oldest records found deals with this clan. Now here's a thing, examining the tsuba to view the centre of the kamon, it is evident that the very centre has been slighted with what looks like a chisel type tool, so the detail (if there was any) cannot now be seen, strange! Again Mauro thanks for steering me in the right direction. Cheers Denis.

Paul I think with your help we might have nailed this one down, advise on the link below. The last four references are interesting, ref: “ Hitatsura is a hamon with many Tobiyaki” (not of a regular shape) and follows on with 2 illustrations of regular Tobiyaki. http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/hamonpatterns.html

Paul from what you say above, could 'Tobiyaki' apply here, where patches of temper jump away from the main hamon? see previous photo 04686 Denis.

Paul Thats a perfectly understandably explanation, I can easily accept that. It also indicates why even with my limited knowledge and a ton of books, that I could not find a near example of this hamon. And in fairness its also part of the reason that I found it so pleasing to own. Be it quirky, unusual or just this smith showing off, it exists and my regards to all who gave considered advice in this thread. Denis.

Thank you all So I can record the hamon description for future reference, and being honest I was lost in the expertise. What do I record as to describe this style? Denis.

The art of translating characters on the sword and fittings, I have believed to well above my ability. But now heres a thing! At various places in posts here, translation attempts are welcomed from novices, and even helped with corrections. There are many instances, where a novice has been guided onto the true path, and this is fully illustrated. So I want to join the ranks of serious study in this aspect of collecting. Mission statement made, how do I start? I have a MAC running Lion, and have all the time and patience in the world. My main reason to request here is that board members, have been this route, so where better to get considered advice. Thanks Denis PS (I was not sure exactly where to post this request.)

Mauro You pointed me in the right direction and all is revealed. In the explanation below, the reference to 'metalwork' and 'symbol of good fortune' will tie in nicely with the tsuba. Shippo Tsunagi has been used by courtiers since Heian era (running from 794 to 1185). "Seven Treasures" refers to a repetitious background design utilized by Japanese artists and craftsmen. The pattern was filled in with flowers and printed on pottery and lacquer work, used in textiles on kimono, designs for metal work and porcelain. It is characterized by interlacing circles and is one of the most auspicious patterns to stitch Sashiko. Shippo Tsunagi is characterized by interlacing circles, which are the same sizes, and the circles are spread out unlimitedly to all the directions. For this reason, this pattern is considered to be a symbol of good fortune. Denis.

Thanks Mauro Thats a good clue to work with, I'll do a bit of digging and see where it leads. Cheers Denis.

Mr Ford Hallam This is without doubt, the most skilled demonstration of an ancient craft, executed in modern times, that I have ever seen. It ranks right up there with the best. Sir: Respect. Denis.

Thanks Mark The hamon is a bit random, but in places sort of repeats, and differs on the other side. But its that scattering of pattern that was so appealing, and helped my decision to purchase this particular sword out of those offered. Denis.

Hi Mark Yes there is a similarity there, again an Echizen blade, what I could not find any reference to, is the way the hamon separates, and to then give the appearance of breakaway clouds. Thus picking up Roberts opinion, as did I. Is this a particular style confined to Echizen? Denis.

Nice one KM From your help, I find I was looking up at the sky, when I should have been= toranba Submitted by kazarena on Mon, 2007-04-09 15:19 Hamon Types Japanese term 濤瀾刃 Definition A hamon pattern resembling large, surging waves of the sea. Toran-midare - irregular toranba. Thank you Denis.

Here is the tsuba previously mentioned. Any idea what the device on disc is? And do you think this has age. Thanks Denis

If at first you don't succeed etc Denis.

Hi all. This is a sword I have, and it is pleasing in every way, in 1972 it was submitted to the NBTHK for Kanteisho and was issued a Tobubetsu Kicho. The sword is attributed to Kanetane in the province of Echizen circa 1600. Blade length is 69.7cms. Can you tell me what style or name is given to this hamon on the blade. It always appears to me to be a panoramic view of a cloudy sky. In another post I will show the tsuba, that came with the sword. Thanks Denis.