Winchester

Figured it wouldn’t last long! Nice piece.

Hi OP and fellow enthusiast, Hope you are well. There are a couple things to point out in reference to your main thesis or major premise: -The examples are larger sums for a specific class (Juyo) and therefore cannot be used in a ‘most’ argument to provide overall direction of a market. Separately, how many people can spend $5K or $10K on art let alone six figures for one example? -As Hoshi (I believe mentioned) about knowledge…Brother, people are not going to give up their competitive advantage (knowledge) that cost them time and money so ‘we’ can quickly Google search or AI gobbles it up. This is one of the reasons why it is such a service to our shared hobby when someone is kind enough to write articles, et cetera or even provide books for sale. ……Let us borrow a thought experiment from Charlie Munger and inverse: +How would we NOT be a successful dealer? No established clientele, nearing six-figure pieces, limited opportunity to sell via auction house. +How could we BE successful as a dealer? Tsuba under $2,500.00 USD, nihonto under $25,000.00 with most in the $5K -$15K range. Fittings at $2,000.00 or below.

Some sort of silk roller??? Doesn’t appear to be a war banner, nor scroll, it appears as a finished product so not a silk loom of some sort.

I like that tsuba, Piers. If you ever decide to sell it, please keep me in mind.

Sorry for your loss. This speaks to the high level of esteem your friend had for you. It has a nice shape with many activities and is a bit flamboyant (if I may). Doesn’t need a polish imo.

Compelling symbolism. Perseverance through life's difficulties, with grace. The graceful plover over tumultuous waves.

Greetings, I am interested in learning about Hoan tsuba and historical context. Could someone share any resources or provide discussion/feedback? Where to start? Thank you in advance--

I would highly recommend working with Grev. Please buy with confidence. I purchased a tsuba from him earlier in the summer and had some unexpected health issues and he was very flexible with working with me, for which I am grateful.

@Steve Waszak Is this your tsuba? If so, would you kindly share more photos with us? Truly, this is a stunning piece. Wow!!!

I am not an expert but I believe the notion that: a long signature with a date being ‘typical’, is not accurate. ETA: Referring to the date.

I am happy for you and hopeful it works out. Either way, I would count it as a win for the stated reasons you gave.

Steve, my best guess is that it is a property marker or import badge of some sort. I was awaiting rendering an opinion, feeling that someone else may identify it...since no one has, my best suggestion is a 'property marker' of some sort.

A privilege to view, Okan, thank you. I really enjoy the power, balance and iron quality, exemplified in this piece.

Don't feel too bad, Steve. At the Chicago show, I saw some of the fakes coming out of Japan. I believe many collectors would not detect the fake, unless given forewarning. They are getting fairly convincing. The tagane ato, color/ almost bright /shiny in person, were of the few giveaways when examining in person. Good reminder for all of us to view with a critical eye and take our time. (Hypothetical: Your example was lower cost, but what if it was market value and mixed in with genuine pieces?)

May I ask how much you sold it for?