TETSUGENDO

Thank you Jeremiah, The priority of most phone cameras is portraiture, not macro stuff unfortunately. The reason I suggested using higher resolution is that you can enlarge the image, to compensate for the cameras limitations with better results. Also, brighter diffused lighting is key as image quality falls off rapidly as availble light diminishes. Just some things that work for me (disclaimer-not a wiz at dig/photog) that I thought may be helpful, fiddle around a bit and you'll come to workable formula. Cheers, -S-

Jeremiah, Just wanted a better look at some of the modelling, and I got what I needed. I wouldn't knock them as the quality is good and they are an excellent compliment to the tsuba. BTW, Brian allows for a generous bit of resolution quality...don't be so stingy with the resolution and your photos will be the better for it. Thanks for the pics, -S-

An exciting artist who really "stirred the pot", he and his teacher are two of my favorites. -S-

Jean, This is a beautiful piece and a great value, Its obvious that all the offerings were collected with care and a keen eye to quality. -S-

Jeremiah, If you please- some better shots of the menuki (a bit higher res) are something I, and I'm sure others, would appreciate....the present pics don't do them justice. -S-

Curiously, the combination of the original tsuba, and added decoration, transform it's original purpose from utilitarian object to charm/talisman. ICBW, but It doesn't strike me as a tourist item. Cheers, -S-

I agree Joel. If Peter wishes to expound further he no doubt will, I would not presume to. I simply direct you to think on the matter of CONTEXT. -S-

Jean, How fortunate you are to have had him so long, yet the time is always too short. My heartfelt wishes for the graceful passage of your dear companion, the picture stirs painful memories...so sorry. -S-

Grev, Doubtless, the more material the better, but even the best of books have their limitations......understanding what they are enhances their usefulness. Ultimately, nothing can substitute for in hand examination and knowledgeable mentorship. Those lacking a mentor should go to as many GOOD auctions as possible, unlike museums you can examine the exhibits! I suspect you would agree? Cheers, -S-

Joel, I think Peter's feelings on the subject are clear and concise. Cheers, -S-

You and Franco have got the translation, it does indeed read Ishiguro Masayoshi. Big name, important artist, often copied....I have included and example of a papered signature for your comparison. -S-

Good way to get into some nice bunnies at a modest price, well spotted. -S-

Good article, and the Google translation is amazingly worthy of a B+ this time, not that there isn't plenty of unintentioned humor due to errors in translation and syntax. As the planets must be perfectly aligned (I can think of no other explanation)....perhaps its time for a trip to the casino, or to purchase a lottery ticket. -S-

Agreed, the original surface appears substantially obliterated, not unlike the results of "homemade" plastic surgery, the patient is now maimed and disfigured. -S-

Grev, Nice example, attribution fits, could easily date as much as 20/30 years earlier as well. Without great high res photos, or in hand examination, pairing these two pieces with any degree of certainty is impossible. From crude visual comparison alone my feeling is that the tsuba are by different hands. -S-

You should be, the menuki are a fine match, together they make a beautiful set.....well done Jeremiah! Cheers, -S- p.s.- note how the dragons are multiplying, one.......two......three.......

Marco, This artists signature is definately one of the tougher ones, many permutations. A notable authority of the past used to say that his pieces confirm the maxim " the work proves the Mei". As the 19th century rolled on the Tanaka schools reissues of classic models gained in quantity of precious metal decoration and lost in beauty of modelling and skillful chisel work...a picture would be very useful. -S-

Yes, Somin worked in various techniques. If this is his work he was having a very off day, it is full of awkward passages and poorly associated design elements, IMO not his work or signature. Edward, you mentioned papering this piece, if the seller guarantees the piece and papering it is worth a go....if not pass. Ultimately, without papers authorship is nothing more than conjecture. -S-

Hi Chris, Found you two more Nara School Masaharu's for comparison. The first two were listed as by Genshosai Masaharu, the second two listed as by Masaharu of Nimura. Hope these help.

Marco, Google (Tanaka Toryusai Kiyotoshi) and you will find lots of information. Happy Hunting, -S-

"Well, excuse me". Your post had no context, my comments were directed generally, and if my compliment was offensive- I retract it. Apparently, I Am just "A Wild and Crazy Guy". Smile, -S-

Field repair is fine, but with a little extra care a completely acceptable "restoration" is possible.... shouldn't be terribly time consuming. I am sure you are more than capable of doing an excellent job, DRAGON HUNTER! Cheers, -S-

Button should be something even the mildly handy can fabricate from copper.....a little patination and your good to go. Cheers, -S-

Jean, Tsuba you pictured is a similar but different design, your design is of Warabite form. BTW, traditional Japanese wrought iron hardware comes in many designs including a fungus form.....it is a rather roundabout way of returning to the same place. Cheers, -S-

Pat, Sorry if you were confused.....but it should be apparent that the two designs are unrelated. Cheers, -S-