zanilu

Have a look here Artur. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kōdō Hope it helps. There seems to be many variation and in some cases the sukashi is simply inspired to those from the Genji monogatari. Regards Luca

My guess has always been that the four metal squares or triangles where there to support the post and to strengthen the thin metal of the menuki in the area. As for method of attaching the post and the squares I have alwasynassume brazing. Regards Luca

Hi Alexi I have purchased some tsuba from Machi san in the past without any major problem. He is not the fastest in reply to inquiries or in preparing the shipping since he is often busy teaching martial arts, but overall my experience with him is positive. The items are as advertised the prices reasonable, I will buy from him in the future if suitable items pop up on his website. Hope it helps Regards Luca

I support Mark suggestion about priority on sales. Luca

If executed in iron with brass inaly it would be the typical Kaga Yoshiro tsuba. Quality above average but not a masterpiece. I have never seen such design executed with brass and shakudo. My first guess, when I have seen it, was a late Edo/Early Meiji piece executed in the style of Kaga Yoshiro. Something akeen to Heiajo Zogan like pieces made by Washida Mitsunaka and his workshop. I tried bidding but have to let it go when the price increased too much for me. Regards Luca

Seen too late...

You are right Alex. Probably it is better for the momoment just to use a little bit of choji oil or sewing machine oil, let it soak and then try with a cotton bud to remove the loose rust. The use of oil will at least improve its appearance. Regards Luca

Thak you Sam. Maybe this is a spoosible line of investigation Luca

Charlie It was my feeling too, something not natural, a plant on a trellis or similar. Those inverted U shapes are intriguing. Regards Luca

Hi Justyn I do not see anything suspicious. The gold parts look like standard nunome zogan to me. My two cents. Luca

I see what you mean Markus... I will keep searching Regards Luca

Here is the other side: It could be Moriyama san. Your guess is a good one. However the presence of those inverted U shape elements, the small spheres and the small cross-pieces make me wonder. The inverted U shape can be the trellis supports, and the small sphere buds? Any guess is welcome Regards Luca

Dear all. I have recently acquire a nice Heianjo Zogan tsuba. It is not a masterpiece but it is a nice one ansyway. The design is not the usual karakusa with trellis that. There are those bell shaped pieces that are somehow reminiscent of the koto string bridges. Any help in the identification of the theme is welcome. Best Regards Luca

For the shinken that I use for iaido I use susudake, cut and filed to fit the tsuka and the mekugi-ana. Susudake is smoked bamboo, thst is strong and flexible, far stronger that chopsticks bamboo. I would not trust chopsticks bamboo for my iaido practice. On the other hand if you do not intend to actually use it normal bamboo will do. I usually purchase mine here https://www.namikawa-ltd.com/product/131. Regards Luca

Complimenti Manuel! Congratulations Manuel! Regards Luca