kissakai

The kanji is what is called Sosho or grass script The characters in the box is called a kao and it is a bit like a makers trade mark So you can do a bit of digging and I will have a look at the translation tomorrow I'd be interested in what other NMB member think about the quality of the tsuba

Hi I will be releasing my second book in the next couple of weeks and when it is ready I will open a new post but for the time being I'll piggy back my original post In the new book there will be a short section on buying tsuba I will add some links like the NMB and Greys website for example and the problems with eBay but I could do with some other website examples and don't think twice about submitting your own sites As this is a more basic book but I will not list any websites that are only in Japanese Also as a beginner I don't need the high value sites (I know you always advise buying the best but I've done OK on the sub £1,000 prices although I know I have to start paying more) With thanks Grev

Hi Ken As Ken didn't ask about prices it would appear to me this just muddies the waters Has anyone opinions on the sword? One of my swords did have a nice saya under the leather wrapping but it's not worth trying to force if off (mine came off easily) There was a post a couple of weeks ago where a NMB has done wonders with tiding up his tsuba so some work can be done yourself Price is so difficult, for example I have Heianjo Daisho (the Daisho is a stretch) for $475 in great condition Every one who's seen it has liked it but it hasn't sold and I have no idea why!

Hi Ken The edge on your tsuba isa the same as my (Higo) Nishigaki example so that is my guess An earlier discussion: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/9704-nishigaki-school-tsuba/ Another link with a nice example at the end https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/exhibit/3QLyDIAlN6VZLg I'll just wait for someone to correct me

Might the tsuba be Nishigaki? They used similar themes that have a 2D form Is the outside of the rim smooth or is bumpy?

Hi You can see the original shape from the inserts at the top and bottom of the nakago Difficult to say why is was opened out but probably one of the above suggestions

Hi I asked Chris to delay the delivery until after the holiday and it arrived today What a great item delivered in a very wel protected parcel The detail and condition are so good it will be ages to take it all in

I have had a few enquireries about the Nakago sizes so I've added a page to the PDF file, link below The sizes are listed in ascending order of size https://www.dropbox.com/s/qj7d66vvq1a7z16/NMB%20listing.pdf?dl=0

So tempting!!!!!!!

As most people on the NMB know I have produced a book on tsuba from the Birmingham museum These isuba in most cases are run of the mill but some schools are well represented to it can give you an idea of differing styles Most tsuba are large colour images The download is cheap from LuLu Grev

In this case it wouldn't bother me too much about age although this post is a good read. I like it

Hi Michael I agree with Jean. I was a lurker for ages but please try to add anything that may be of interest It's new stuff that keeper the NMB going and interesting Even if you pose a question or image let us know you are learning and you will get help or information Grev

I would certainly find something Just added You don't beg they are from grateful members

Hi Peter Always worth a go and you will learn as you go along There are many NMB members who have made tsuba so expect for information I've no idea if you can do it but we like to see activity on the surface rather than a plan plate with a 'dead' surface Then there is the sukashi if you intend to add this later and there are many examples to use and trust your eye for the composition Ford Hallams book will help with the patination If it looks right then it probably is Keep the images coming

Hope I'm not being negative but what a pain Edo era is (1603 and 1868) Such a long period. I've held off delivery until the New Year so maybe I can see more when it is in hand although the original images are very good

Oops I didn't realise you had already moved it . Thanks

Makes sense to move it I just read the last post which was apt Not area I check out!

Thanks for the comments and feedback Obviously we have collectors of armour so any idea of age and style?

Hi Peter You can have a look at this link http://www.shibuiswords.com/haynesTsu62.html The link is (in my opinion) the tsuba image is better than yours. Yours is a late example maybe in the style on Mino Again have a look at Mino examples which in most cases are very well made Research the terms Nagoya and mono and you will find the answers you are looking for Also for other member to chip in, are we looking at a cast tsuba? Good luck Grev

As this is not in my collecting field but feft it was too nice not to own it I was drawn to the metal plates and who doesn't like chain mail design? I would appreciate it if any one can add any more information and this can be PM'ed if you wish It will help me better appreciate the kote

Hi I'm pleased to say I'm the new owner I've missed quite a few items over the last couple of months so I thought as I was sending my reply I would be told it had already been sold Boy do you have to quick! Grev

Hi After trying 'This powerful solvent will not attack the patina or the metal, but dissolve all kinds of paint' and you find the colour wrong then it can be repatined by the likes of Ford Hallam or Kevin Adams This looks a nice tsuba so worth the extra cost if you wish

Nice videos that I enjoyed watching. Thanks Malcolm

Hi This my tsuba Possibly Sendai - Aizu Shoami 1650 - 1700

Very strange as I watched Pawn Stars the same day as the post because it said there was a Samurai sword on the show I expected it to be the one mentioned in the post It wasn't as I was watching a programme made in 2014 also with Mike Y The sword was nice and they arranged to have it restored and the final result was shown on the same show - bonus I'm in the UK (hence watching an old recording) so no idea if anyone can get it on catchup