Mat

Thank you so much, Jean!

Dear Geraint, thank you very much for your comment! Now that you say it, it obviously is an oar. I also had thought Akasaka, but then is a bit too large. On the other hand, it definitely looks like Akasaka school... Best, Matthias

Hi, could you please help me with the identification of this iron tsuba? The diameter is 8.5 cm and the thickness 0.6 cm. And what is depicted in the scene? Thank you very much in advance, Matthias

Jean, thank you for the information and sorry for not signing correctly! Matthias W.

I found some information on that ornament online: https://kodogunosekai.com/2011/02/26/950/#comments. It seems that it is common typical for Momoyama period...

Thank you Stephen, I certainly enjoy it! Just to clarify, I did not mean the general shape of the Tsuba, but the cut out ornament that looks like two overlapping lozenges. Luca, I do not think that is hijacking, I have the same questions and would like to learn more abou how to date them...

Thank you Stephen and ROKUJURO for your help and for the link it must be indeed a Heianjo Tsuba. Looking at the decoration I think it might be a bit later, maybe Momoyama? What do you think? I also have a question about the mon shown. I have seen it described as Matsudaira mon, but when I search for that, another mon is coming up, the one which was also used by the Tokugawa. Can you help me understand how the mon on my Tsuba is related to Matsudaira? Mat

After a long break I have bought a Tsuba again. It is iron with bronze and copper inlay, I think. The diameter is 7.6 cm, the thickness 6mm. Could you please help me identifying school, type and age, if possible?Thank you very much in advance! Mat

Thank you very much for your help! Mat

Please, can anybody read this signature on a Meiji period bronze okimono for me? The figure itself can be seen in the "Other Japanese Arts" section: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/18888-bronze-okimono-help-reading-signature-please/ Thank you very much! Mat

Thank you Steve, for that information! I will look for any Tokyo school bronze artists that end with -nan ... Brian, I will try that too! Mat

I add a photo with different light of the signature, maybe it is easier to recognize now? Mat

Great, thank you! Mat

Hello again. I hope you all do not mind that I post my items here, as I am not a sword collector (however I read with great interest your forum). I have only two tsuba, which are nothing special, but I collect Japanese antiques, mostly porcelain, woodblock prints and netsuke. If it is ok for you, I will show some of my "treasures" from time to time here, maybe they are interesting for you too... So, this is another item from my collection. I have tried for some time to find out the signature, but without success. Maybe someone can decipher it for me? It is a Meiji period bronze okimono of Fukurokuju. Thank you again for any help in advance! Mat

Thank you again, that was a very interesting link! Mat

Thank you Malcolm for your reply! The cord is forming a loop, with the round end coming out on the other side of the mouth. The other end held by the paw does not look as if it has broken off, the finish is too smooth, I think. Someone told me it could be a shimenawa rope, used in Shinto for ritual purification. That would be a least one possibilitly... What do you think how old the shishi is? Mat

Hello, I have this small shishi and cub (ca. 11 cm), and I would like to hear your opinions regarding it's age. The style looks - in my eyes - like Edo period to me, also the motive of a shishi with a cub in that position can be found in Edo period netsuke. On the other hand I do not think there were many bronze okimono around in that time? Maybe it was a part of something else? Thank you very much in advance, Mat

No problem, I thought so, at least they are no fakes... Thank you again! Mat

Thank you, Mauro, for your help! What do you think about the quality? Is it good for this kind of tsuba? Regards, Mat

Dear Forum members, here I show you my first two Tsuba. I would like to learn more about them. How old are they, how do you call the style and technique? Is the trefoil on the bigger one just decoration or could it be a family crest? They are both iron, one has some gold. The bigger one measures 7 cm and the smaller one 6,3 cm . The thickness of the big one is 3 mm and of the small one 4 mm. The color is much darker than in the photos. Any information is much appreciated! Thank you in advance! Matthias Wergin