Spartancrest

I found a "baby one" https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/176259392777

From a sale by Klefischauktionen https://klefischaukt...sxgHNjqlMDWyo7m_CA2k [might take a while to find it here - 3,400 slide images ] Images only no information. A very close copy especially the tagane-ato - but little differences like the angle of the lower plum branch along with buds, small branches on the upper one. Ok lets add this one as well! https://www.worthpoi...-guard-ume-tsuba-for looks like either a popular utsushi or production line by one of the schools. And yet another- https://www.ngv.vic....llection/work/54298/ this one has some attribution to Umetada. I don't know how much stock to put in that description. Anyone got an idea about the heavy Tagane-ato on most of these, is it a feature of a particular smith or school? One in soft metal - https://www.jauce.com/auction/c1049691269 or https://buyee.jp/ite.../auction/c1049691269

Like Suraka [in the manner of Suraka?] Google image translate - can't trust it!

The PORTFOLIO: by Philip Gilbert Hamerton. published 1889 and HANDICRAFT No. 6&7 Japanese Sword Guards: by Francis Stewart Kershaw 1912

Some habaki designs found in "Chosen-Gafu" I am not entirely sure of these last two, interested to know what you think? [What else could they be designs for?]

[Just a little ] Members will be impressed with Stephen's collection in book form - https://au.blurb.com...in-rolling-brooks-ga https://www.amazon.c...ctions/dp/B0CTG5GD5P I don't think I am talking out of place to say don't buy the book from ebay proxy sellers who are making huge profits from Stephen's work. It may well be worth giving Stephen a PM, he can steer you in the right direction.

You can never have enough hooks! I was just looking at the late Gary Montgomery collection - he had his walls decorated in tsuba. There must have been a lot of nail holes to repair when his collection was sold!

https://sanobi.or.jp...e/maskingtape_tsuba/ a more realistic price but I have no idea how to order any! I don't suppose they take Paypal

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/386800389102 tsuba packing tape - - that is a bit expensive for a single roll!

I took the liberty of enhancing the image - still a strange colour as Jean has said. From looking at another Kinai example [Echizen Ju Kinai Saku] there appears to be one kanji missing from the mei and I am no "handwriting expert" but it definitely looks by a different hand which would be no surprise knowing the number of production line makers and copies. A better lit image might help but I would think $100 > $150 range? JMO

Yes this is likely true - however you have presented no evidence at all. [even if 50% of what Vashavsky has said is wrong - that leaves 50% correct?] You have stated your findings limited to a set number of tests, but we are forced to just take your word. [you may well be correct but a statement is not evidence] Opinions by "experts" not backed up by evidence can only be classed as hearsay. The argument I am having is not about certain types of metal, it is the persistent number of replies to posts throughout the entire forum where opinions are given that are not backed up with facts we can check. You had the opportunity to check my references but we have not had the pleasure of yours - [I am very sure you can supply them so why not include it in the post?] I hope it has come across this is not a personal attack it is a frustration aimed at a large number of members quick to give opinions but less inclined to show us how they have reached those opinions. [Is this not a fair request?] PS. Thomas, nice to have a little argument with someone in the same country for a change.

Other extant examples: would seem to dispute that Yamagane is not suitable for casting, perhaps a broader research is needed? [ I would stress the above quote is not mine but from a long time member of this forum - who can "..reasonably claim some expertise in this area" ] https://varshavskyco...ction/tsu-0399-2019/ = School: Kagamishi, Material: Yamagane, Technique: Carving, Cast, Kebori, Low relief carving, Sukashi https://varshavskyco...collection/tsu-0362/ = School: Kagamishi, Material: Yamagane, Technique: Cast

As is Yamagane which is a different metal to Bronze. A quote: "I will defy anyone to positively classify a soft metal tsuba as being yamagane or copper of varying degrees of purity, any of the many varieties of bronze/brass, and an almost infinite variety of related alloys without solid analytical analysis. Speculating on metal composition based solely on it's present patina is simply guesswork. I must admit, and I think I can reasonably claim some expertise in this area , when I read such confidant commentary about metal composition I do sometimes feel like Alice in Wonderland . What I'd strongly argue for is a far more rigorous basis in terms of evidence when we make our assumptions." Now who said that?

One thing going for it is the inlays look intact. I am not sure the signature is very well done it looks very thick compared to other examples. Obviously it has been mounted at some time, can you tell us it's size? You may already know the Soten school was one of the most copied schools due to it's popularity. Yours is still a genuine piece, I can see no evidence of casting and the detail is fairly good but I do tend to agree with Kirril that it is late. JMO Image of "Soten" signatures they vary greatly.

My favourite - the "G" spot!

I am up to date with my covid shots - plague not so much. I may yet die of old age before the books arrive - I have been waiting more than a month, maybe the germs will have died of boredom by now?

Like this? The "E"s are there just not the "G"s

Grev. A really really early Google logo? [sorry being silly]

As Piers has said "Mokko" shape. It is a standard and well liked shape, are you planning to reproduce the guard you have? Making it in effect an 'Utsushi' this also is a standard practice, emulating a piece can pay homage to a good design. What makes a truly great utsushi is putting some of your own spirit into it and not blindly doing a copy. I like the piece you have, the image reminds me of one I have but of a completely different outline. Have you looked at other rim forms like the one found here? https://www.ebay.com/itm/402353472858 a pinched edge that to me always reminds me of a train wheel look. [probably just me]

Some people don't want to heal and choose to hide behind illness.

Perhaps the Shinsa assessment needs a bit of an update and clarification? - It does not specifically say what castings or what they are cast in - ambiguous and a little misleading. [If you are spending big money on an assessment wouldn't you like to know that at least it will be assessed?] It might well be that cast kinko tsuba are "well established" and pre-date the Meiji period - the question still remains can we pre-date cast iron to the Edo period. [Certainly we have ample evidence of them from the Meiji period .]

I wonder if the work is related to these "record" tsuba that have the whole surface done in concentric circles? I don't know the correct term but I am sure there is one.

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Sorry the book is mostly B&W