TETSUGENDO

Steven K

Hi Bruno, I think Pete said it all. This piece is rather "GENERIC", just does not tick enough box's for a more specific attribution , hense the Kyo Kinko. Sorry. Steven K

Brian, The item at question is an ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS FAKE ! In the past, I used to be bothered by the lack of proper vetting in the marketplace but, have given up in frustration long ago. It has been my experience that sightholders with offerings such as this DO NOT CARE as, unfortunately- REWARD OUTWEIGHS RISK ! Brian, I appreciate your pure and true nature and commend you on it but, you can't save everyone. CAVEAT EMPTOR. StevenK

Alan, I think this depicts Handaka Sonja. StevenK

Most elegant form! A wonderful blade. -Steven K

Thank you Piers, It's a nice example of the type - good and plump, fine color, and the condition is well above average. In addition, the inscription certainly adds interest. Cheers, Steven K

Piers, Interesting. Manju? Would you please post some pictures of the exterior of the piece. Steven K

Howard, When wearing a Netsuke the signature is usually out of sight- i.e. it is placed on the side where the himotoshi is, or the bottom, or at some area that is concealed. Steven K

Piers, I concur with your reading(s). Ditto on your thoughts- the placement of the signature is most odd. I suppose the "artist" did not want to be overlooked! Steven K

BRAVO THOMAS! Steven K

Greetings All, Yes, reading is Morinobu- it is one of the seals used by Kano Tan'Yu. The design of your Tsuba is from one of his works -StevenK

Grant, I am very happy to see such wonderful results, Ford did a stunning job! This is a very sympathetic piece of work, as notable for what was not done as much as for what was. I marvel at the restraint. The color and surface both look great...you must be so pleased. Steven K

Gentlemen, Surely, SETSUZAN is spinning in his grave! Respectfully....IT'S TIME TO HIT THE RESET BUTTON! Steven K

Brian, "NO ONE EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION". Thanks for your comments. Jean ditto. In the spirit of the holidays ( and keeping posts on this site firmly on the high road ) I'll eschew responding to posts for which no answer will suffice. Kevin, take no offence. Happy holidays to all! Steven K,

Ford- Steven K

Ford, Yes, I am familiar with all of the casting techniques you have mentioned, both in theory and practice. I have also done electrotyping and electroforming- although not casting techniques they are also means of reproduction. I am also intimately acquainted with metal working techniques. What I see are artifacts that , for me, are not the cause of chisel, graver, punch, or chasing tool directly working metal. BTW, I gain no pleasure from the delivery of bad news. If we see things differently, oh well. I am familiar with your work and certainly respect your opinion. I respect my opinion as well. Steven K

Ford- Please help me out here, if you would be so kind, perhaps I am hallucinating. To my eyes there are clear signs of casting everywhere. Yes there is hand work present, beforehand ( in the mold ) and after. Look at the verticle walls of the raised portions of the decoration. Steven K

Joel, The last photo is excellent for diagnostic purposes. Unfortunately, your Tsuba exhibits modern casting techniques and the patination is all wrong- Sorry. Take some time examining it in good light with magnification.....remember what you see....and you will have learned a valuable lesson. There is so much fakery going on, one must take care. Steven K ,

Hello All, The design is SQIIRREL AND GRAPES an old Chinese motif. Joel, could you post a higher resolution picture with a bit brighter lighting? What is the Material? I fear Brian may be right, things do look "OFF", but I can't see clearly what is going on and would not want to rush to judgement. Steven K

Maximilian- http://www.aoijapan.com/kogaiyanagawa-naotaka-kaou Steven K

Iain- I would say Steve and Mauro collectively have given you the right answer. Fuchi/Kashira are lower quality (but not junk) and look like second half of the 19th C. The Menuki are "STRANGE" - I'd say low end "KOMAI TYPE" WORK. Steven K

Very droll. Steven K

-Perhaps your problems are due to your respective browsers, equipment, wifi (if applicable). Could you have inadvertantly altered the site settings? So many possibilities. I'm not having any troubles, but who can say what tomorrow may bring. Steven K

T, Thanks, glad you like it. Steven K

Stephen, Patina match is great. You have got the Sea and the Sky - all you need now are Mt.Fuji or dragon menuki and all is complete. Steven K