Higo-san

Dear fellow board members, I am selling a tosogu study collection comprising about 20 pieces.The asking prices include PayPal fees, a 10%-donation to the NMB and a 20%-commission for myself plus shipping costs. Most of the pieces are in urgent need for restoration - maybe someone from the board can help? Shipping costs are: Germany USD 5.00 EU USD 12.00 Worldwide USD 17.00 The owner of the collection is a very well known expert (I will not disclose or confirm his identity according to his own wish). Best, Chris

Tsuba 004: Iron tsuba with horses The design of horses and willow trees has been carefully done on this iron tsuba. The piece is signed Yasuchika (Gimei). Age: Edo period Dimensions: 7.6 cm x 7.2 cm x 0.55 cm Asking price: USD 120

Tsuba 003: Buddhist symbols Tsuba Interesting iron tsuba with bonji and vajra design on a carefully elaborated surface. Age: Edo period Dimensions: 8.0 cm x 7.4 cm x 0.4 cm Asking price: USD 250,00

Tsuba 002: Kishu Teimei Tsuba A nice iron sukashi tsuba by the Kishu Teimei school which has gone through restoration slightly altering the original surface. The piece is signed Kishu Ju Sadanaga and I will guarantee the authenticity of the signature to the buyer. This would look great mounted on a katana! Age: Edo period Dimensions: 7.8 cm x 7.8 cm x 0.35 cm Asking price: USD 220

Tsuba 001: Marugata Tsuba by the Shoami School Fantastic iron tsuba with prominent tekkotsu on the rim. The sukashi design shows ginger and diamonds. Very similiar pieces are published i.a. in Sasano Masayuki's silver book and Eckhard Kremer's book. Unfortunately, the patination has become slightly thin on this pieces (nothing that cannot be fixed over time by a bit of care and natural aging). Otherwise, this tsuba will be a highlight in every sukashi tsuba collection! Early Edo period Dimensions: 7.8 cm x 7.8 cm x 0.43 cm Asking price: USD 900,00

Dear fellow board members, I am selling a tosogu study collection comprising about 20 pieces.The asking prices include PayPal fees, a 10%-donation to the NMB and a 20%-commission for myself plus shipping costs. Shipping costs are: Germany USD 5.00 EU USD 12.00 Worldwide USD 17.00 The owner of the collection is a very well known expert (I will not disclose or confirm his identity according to his own wish). Best, Chris

If someone's still interested: it looks like an Akasaka tsuba at first glimpse. I have never seen tsuba attributed to one of the Higo schools that show humans. Do you have pictures of the rim, Ben? Best, Chris

Correct, Stephen!

Isn't that the one from the Ott collection? http://www.hermann-historica.de/de/fuenf-_platten_hineno_hachi_1_haelfte_edo-periode/l/145989?aid=147&Lstatus=0&_=1490422495629&currentpos=57 Best, Chris

Greg, the tsuba on the left is a Yoshiro tsuba from the Momoyama period (NBTHK Hozon). Nothing was added later (after finishing the production process, of course) - I think that the tsuba in the link is damaged, having lost the original mons. Jean's tsuba in the picture on the other hand is a very fine example of a Yoshiro tsuba. Best, Chris

Thanks for the great info!!!

Good question, Andi! It seems like the menpo was signed with an ancient kanji for "Kuni". This together with the workmanship made some advanced collectors think that this menpo was in fact made by a famous armor maker named Kunitaka. Maybe someone has additional info on this maker. Best, Chris

It does not look like there is something missing in his left hand, Uwe :D!

Thank you for the link and input, Henry and Uwe! Folk art is quite good guess IMHO, too. Here are a couple of pictures from the back and bottom.

Dear Malcolm, thank you for the information! This is much appreciated. Dear Geraint, that is a good idea. However, I was hoping for a bit input from board members. The reason being that at least in Germany experts working at museums usually have a very general education and are rarely specialised on Asian art or even a more specific subject (in particular when it comes to Japanese art). Thus, art collectors often know more about their specific subjects than the museums do. Best, Chris

Dear all, I do not know much about this guy - he is about 30cm tall and his eyes are made of glass. The arms are glued to the body as is the lower part of the body. I am happy for every piece of information! Chris

Tom, it does not make much sense to mention that there is an even bigger collection for sale and leave it there... Are these mere rumours or hard facts? Anyway, the Ott Collection looks like a great collection and will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see or even buy high-quality items. Thank you, Uwe, for pointing this out and not keeping it as a secret opportunity for yourself!!! Best, Chris

Thank you both Ian and Uwe for your time and careful assessment!

This may also explain the odd shape of the koshimaki!

Please find attached more pictures! Looks like this was a zunari kabuto which has been built up with lacquer in order to look like a suji bako....

Ian, thank you so much for your fast and very helpful reply. I will forward this information and keep the forum updated with any news concerning this item. Best, Chris

Dear all, a friend of mine has seen an interesting looking kabuto at a local dealer and was interested in getting some preliminary information on the shape and age of the helmet (modern repro or at least late Edo). He has asked for more pictures but unfortunately the business is on holiday this week. Can someone nevertheless provide a first assessment? Thanks, Chris

Again nice stuff :-)!

Please PM me if the Onin tsuba is taken off hold! PM sent for a couple of others. Best, Chris

No. 1 ON HOLD