Winchester

I'm really just trying to figure out what I have and doing some light detective work. Either it is an early piece and I have not been able to find references (most likely) or it was made but an exceptionally skilled armorer. Both situations are positive in my view. Here is the loose notes I have: Major Premise/Theory: What I have is a tsuba that was done by Nobuie's disciple/apprentice, Saotome Ienori. This would have been done in Nobuie's lifetime. Minor Premise/Support: Signature does not appear to be same in this example: https://www.bonhams....o-period-circa-1800/ Counterpoint: A) https://tsubakansho.com/tag/kamakura-bori/ --> May reference book as Nakamura 1963. Not validated yet. B) Tôken Tsuba Kagami, Banzuke was published around 1800s that ranks tsuba makers from the beginning through present. Materials I have to try to tie everything together: A) green papers (yes, I know they are not ideal and it will take time for me to get resubmitted because I will not mail this); B) publication, the tsuba is published in a book, but I do not have the name of the book, just scan of pages AND the book is what makes this reference; C) From Markus Sesko, the reference: "And this brings us to the tsuba makers banzuke that I was talking about (see picture below). It is titled Tôken Tsuba Kagami (刀剣鍔鏡) and was compiled by Noda Takaaki (野田敬明, 1759-1825) some time during the Bunsei era (文政, 1818-1830). ... It is also interesting to learn that two Saotome artists are found within the top ranks. Anyway, it becomes clear that this banzuke focuses on tankô (鐔工), i.e. tsuba craftsmen...". ...Saotome Ienori is listed as a top tsubashi.

Thank you, Jake. It seems my reading of the line is correct, that is, referring to the 1st generation. Just trying to be objective and while this is the most likely, I was curious if I was missing anything. Context: A book I don't know the name of, but have a scan of one page, indicates that a tsuba was signed by Saotome Ienori, "a disciple of Nobuie Akechi, [and is] excellent in both workmanship and texture."

Hi Steve Hsu. The first tsuba you posted I'd like to see in person, but it is my opinion that it is Kanayama. I briefly looked at the price and it seems like a good value. While this is speculative, I feel fairly confident... Some of these designs were shared, so in my newbie opinion we need to look to other points that are indicative of the den or known style. For this diagnosis, I am trying to find a sort of kantei or matrix or create one, but haven't had luck nor started yet.

Thank you, Mauro. I have made a donation to the forum as promised. 373 RAN or $20 USD.

Greetings, This is probably more of a newbie question, but in reading and getting bits of information here and there…I find myself at a crossroad and not sure what to make of it. I recently came across a reference to a ‘Nobuie Akechi”. In not making assumptions……….and understanding that there are 1st Generation, Genki, and Tensho…if a generic statement was made such as Nobuie Akechi (the latter being the clan?) then a reasonable person would assume reference to 1st generation when other references could have been made—should that have been the case. Does this seem to follow???

Thank you in advance for any help translating these papers. I am hopeful there is a school attribution, perhaps time period or any other pertinent information that I am seeking to confirm. I will kindly make a donation to the forum as a thank you. Brian

That’s a really good point, Erik. I’ll check the shirasaya and circle back; I still feel something is amiss. Re; environment: temp controlled and humidity, which is monitored at multiple points for consistency. No sudden temp changes.

What is the meaning of hats on the tsuba—symbolism? It (gasa?) seem to have been a motif going back to Muromachi. Thank you

I ordered the tsubaki oil that was recommended. Thanks everyone.

I'll provide a few: learning, early iron tsuba, and classic cars.

Greetings All, I have a katana that has had rust spots pop up since I purchased it a few years ago. Until now, I have just generously wiped the area with a microfiber and choji oil and it goes away. My concern is that in oiling the blade for storage recently, I noticed another area had developed (again, minor surface rust about the size of half a pencil eraser head) and am wondering 'what gives'. I have other blades that I regularly maintain and no issues with those, thankfully. There is open kitae/ware spots in a few places, should I send for a polish (it is a healthy and thick blade otherwise) and risk that the open spots go deeper. Am I correct in my understanding / inference or would a polish 'reset' things so-to-speak? Thanks for any advice. I would normally show a few photos but it is light rust that mostly rubs away and then comes back and I just oiled and put away the blade recently. Thank you, Brian

Hi Phillip, You are in luck. There are some serious collectors of Yamakichibei on the forum and I am sure one will provide an expert opinion. I am a student and learning, therefore my opinion is just that: I like your tsuba and look forward to learning more with you on this thread.

John C., I wonder if that photo and others like it truly are showing what is being surmised—confiscated for DESTRUCTION. I was talking with my neighbor a couple years ago who is a USMC WW2 veteran in theatre and he told me both on land and on ship there were massive piles of swords…..but…..that every GI was told to grab one two or anything from the pile. He said it was literally an assembly line of go and pick stuff out. My question being: are we always seeing what we think we are in these photos.

The tsuba is published in a book and has papers; both are in Japanese, however. I’ll request a translation and make a donation to the forum. Perhaps this can provide further direction.

Thank you, Thomas. I am still uncertain what to believe in terms of timeline. We are gaining further insight—thank you for all the contributions everyone—but to whom can we ascribe the high ranking to from Markus’ article referring to the ranking list published around 1815? In holding my tsuba in hand, I am a bit incredulous that this is late Edo. I seek to be objective and learn. Just not sure what to make of it.

In the following link, My tsuba , is listed in a photo marked "44 Nakamura 1963". (about 3/4 of the way down the page) It is a signed Kamakura-bori piece that I have a green paper for. When I was doing some initial reading, I came across Markus Sesko's blog that discussed there were two tsubashi from the school that were top ranked; whereas, further effort to study didn't provide any additional paths. (I am thankful to you both Thomas and Okan; Okan, that is more information than I have been able to find. Many thanks.)

Greetings, I am trying to find further information to study on Saotome Ienori. From Markus Sesko, the reference: "And this brings us to the tsuba makers banzuke that I was talking about (see picture below). It is titled Tôken Tsuba Kagami (刀剣鍔鏡) and was compiled by Noda Takaaki (野田敬明, 1759-1825) some time during the Bunsei era (文政, 1818-1830). ... It is also interesting to learn that two Saotome artists are found within the top ranks. Anyway, it becomes clear that this banzuke focuses on tankô (鐔工), i.e. tsuba craftsmen...". Saotome Ienori is listed as a top tsubashi over a very long period of time...YET I cannot seem to find any info. Is there a book or resource someone can direct me to for further study and/or do you have any information/commentary you can share? Thanks!

I think your heart is in the right place Dan and if it makes you happy, keep on keeping on. Maybe someone will benefit by your post? Everyone has different budgets and interests; this could be a way for someone to purchase that maybe they couldn’t otherwise. Who knows?

I really like it but notice the seppa dai is considerably larger than the published one. important note for comparison Im amazed you got it for $300.00 good find but more importantly good art.

I believe the overall theme is tranquility and resilience; basically sending good vibes out to the universe. It’s a good message and thank you for sharing.

Thank you everyone and OP for the great post; definitely some serious art shared in this one.

Hi Jake, It's possible that has the Maeda clan mon? Lovely piece and does seem early. Big, thank you for sharing. I really like constellation / moon tsuba, but do not have one presently. Thank you, Brian and Zachary. I am not an expert commentator by any means, but it seems evident that both have significant age and the iron gets a particular 'tell' to it from these periods--along with the other clues. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

Traditional Kintsugi bowl, mended with shimmering gold, offering a powerful reminder of the beauty found in healing and imperfection. Rooted in the wabi sabi philosophy, this bowl embodies the idea that brokenness is not a flaw but a source of strength and renewal. Sharing for enjoyment and peace. ETA: I believe the piece is around 100 years old, but not really sure. Kintsugi work is recent.

Seems to be the middle part of Muromachi, Alex? Just an opinion. Thank you for sharing; very pleasing piece.

Thank you for sharing, Paris and Luca. Really nice tusba!