shakudo

Hi Okan, love the 2 sets you have shown, would be pleased to have in my collection for sure. One set juyo- is that papered by NBTHK or by attribution on kanji inside box? And this set by paper? Certainly dint want to offend but papered? Very envious, Cheers Mike

Reminds me of a German sculptor Jean Arp-I researched at Art School- a millenium ago- he had his sculptures on his staircase and he massaged them on his way up and down the stairs - getting them to an acceptable patina before exhibiting them. Yes handle tsuba, it helps the patina and gives them natural protection. Mike

Patina on copper or brass does not give the purple/black of shakudo. The core in mine was/is copper or a brass and all three were covered in shakudo. Metal ie gold has always been expensive and what better way to make it appear as solid shakudo- gold/ copper/ other was a lot of work- well done too- only after years has the edges been exposed where the lead solder has been attacked by the environment. Consider the effort to make 4 piece tsuba- against the solid expensive version- labour was cheap- few stiffens of rice! I have made shakudo quite a few times and had varying success but not what I would consider as good shakudo! Ive tried 3,5 and 7 % gold but its still brown after patina. The pieces I have from the old tsuba colour very well and show the darkness straight away and with obvious age they would be better. I have a couple of brooches I made for an exhibition in the late 80s using shakudo- my shakudo!!!- and they are still brown- oh and I am using Japanese patina! I am certain the ones I have pulled apart are shakudo. More to it than copper and gold. Cheers Mike

Hi all, I have purchased 3 shakudo tsuba for scrap metal- all damaged and not repaiable. None were solid- all were 4 piece construction. Consist of a core- copper or brass, shakudo outer plates and shakudo mimi- usually very skillfully lead soldered. All I purchased for destruction and reclamation I could see the start of delaminatio so no surprises! Check the edges of all shakudo tsuba as gold has always expensive and has been used sparingly. Im up to purchase any that are basket cases- Ive been able to reclaim the shakudo from mine.

Hi all, Bit late to this post but I am making habaki at the moment. Dont have much time at present but Im hoping to be able to spend more time on nihonto as I gently slide into retirement. At present working directly on nakago but with my polished blades I will be making a metal blank to hammer on. Thats an option- measure or get someone to accurately measure and then forward detailed sketch to a maker?! As far as guys in USA I had a habaki made by John Tirado and extremely happy with end result. Enjoy the journey Cheers Mike

Hi all, Many thanks for syopping by, good info to follow up woth when I unpack my books! Als Jack, finally found image, apologies hadnt navigate Brit museum sight before so still learning and I agree the last character is very close- thank you so much. Happy, merry Festive season to , stay healthy! Cheers Mike

Hi Jack, great info but no graphics on link- only on phone sadly! Can you send pic maybe? Thanks for stopping by! Mike

Many thanks for your replies. Felt it was far to large for a menuki so had to be a buckle! Really interested in the kanji though- I purchased it for the work but surprised to find kanji, also that the seller didnt utilise in description! My guess is late 18thC due to its condition- hasnt seen any wear as no rubbing or scratches! Many thanks one and all!

Hi members, Just opened my parcel from Japan and exceptionally pleased with my purchase. I have included the cover page of the auction with sellers discription? No mei was pictured bit on closer examination I found a solitary character on the side which I have found a common place. Im away from my books at present so unable to make a start on translation and thought that maybe a member may know this kanji? Ill put a post in Translation needed aswell to see what we have! Thank you in anticipation, Mike.

Hi All, Did I dream it or did I read that the length of blades was restrictedI , if so this would account for some machi okuri? Recently stripped a tsuka of a suriage katana- the suriage was too short for the size and weight of the katana- no machi okuri- and the core of the tsuka had split in use. Imteresting topic! Cheers Mike

MHi mike, you find what yourvlooking for? Im making som at the moment but could do copper or brass! Looking for katans, wakizashi or tanto size? Ifvyou want them to fit a blade Ill need the specs of the nakago! Cheers, hope your enjoying the journey- I know I am- regardless of the dross you meet on the way!

Hi Alex, depending how thick you need you may have to find a metalsmith to make them! You know what thickness you need? Cheers Mike

Hey mate, tired to work with you but if you cant respond to 2 private messages yur on your own. Im out. Good luck.

Hi Bob, sent you 2 PM. Get back to me if ur interested. Cheers

Hi John, Dou is metal covered with either leather or laquer or both. Uwe, can you elaborate on the unfortunate feature? Damage or a repair? Also roughly early 1800's? Are there any areas or sections I can photograph that would help? Many thanks for taking the time to enlighten me, much appreciated. Regards Mike.

Hi Bob, Sorry havent checked back for awhile. Ive changed my opinion after a second look and I was mistaken on one seppa having an edging added. It appears its the pressure put on the seppa by the tsuka that makes it appear as an add on. Ill draw up from your specs- transfer inches to mm and send you sketch. Will need more specs later! Cheers Mike.

Has just arrived in country- will inspect in a couple of days hopefilly. Many thanks

Geraint, Thank you so much, I can now do more research. Many thanks, didnt think of sadines hahaha! Thank you so much, it is a well made tsuba and Im enjoying ownership. Cheers Mike

Hi all, hoping more knowledgable folk can cast light on the concept behind the design/ motif on this tsuba? Seems like fish- were gold guilded/ mercury maybe- and gilded/ overlay of ivy? Not sure what to make of it? Seems good work but! Cheers Mike

Have found this and am interested if there are any on this board that can tell more about it- told late Edo? Regards Mike

Hi Bob, what are they made from? Brass? 2nd one appears to have an border of different metal - section that is decorated? I have made several seppa- mine and for others- 1st is simple but second is more challenging as I would need to know the metals used? Cheers mate.

Cant see how this is a set? Menuki are tiger but no relation to tsuba workmanship or design? Fuchi and kashira have no relation to either- nothing tiger related or design related!

More pics please- blade and mei? Cheers Mike

Hi Bob, I know I have one but cant find it! Ill keep looking but! Cheers Mike.

Hi Bob, send me a pic I may have whay you want. Cheers Mike