Kunehito

Thank you very much for all your valuable comments and different perspectives. Here and per pm. I truly appreciate the discussion — this is exactly what makes studying tsuba so fascinating. I completely understand the points about Sōten or Hikone-style attributions. The dynamic composition, warrior theme, and three-dimensional carving certainly share similarities with that group, and I can also see how Hiiragiya could come into consideration based on some stylistic parallels. My first thought leaned toward Ko-Kinkō mainly because of the deep black shakudō with a high gold content, the refined surface work, and the overall balance between carving and inlay — qualities that, in my eyes, felt slightly earlier than most of the Hikone or late Sōten pieces I’ve handled. I’ll definitely review more comparative examples from these schools. The exchange of knowledge and opinions here is incredibly valuable — thank you all for taking the time to share your expertise. Kind regards, Tobi

yep. for material science guys it is indeed logical. OFC since we use colorant stabilizers today the effect is much less than it was 100 years ago. https://fabrico.in/blog/best-ways-to-protect-clothes-from-sun-fading

Drying it in the dark makes sense to me. It allows a slower drying process itself and therewith the fabric absorbing the color better. The result is better resistance against bleaching our through the sun later on. Chemistry takes time. and hell yeah - it’s a mess! So outside is a must. Just know the effects from Kendo garments which are indigo dyed and subject of bleaching out quite quickly in the sun. So special cold water washing is required (or recommended) cheers, Tobi

PREFACE This new series „Tsuba are beautiful - Kantei Series“ is dedicated to collectors, friends, and enthusiasts who appreciate genuine Japanese art as much as I do. I share my knowledge from today’s perspective, offering insights that may help when, perhaps in a hidden corner of your favorite antique shop—or even online—you come across a precious Tsuba that captivates you, though you may not yet know much about it. By following this series, you’ll learn to work methodically toward identifying unsigned Tsuba on your own. I hope it will be helpful for your future collecting journey and maybe even ignite the spark for new collectors to begin theirs. Please enjoy—and feel free to ask questions or share your opinions. Let’s discuss kindly and respectfully, whether you agree or disagree. Remember, collecting is a shared journey; respect for others’ views keeps our community strong. You will find the link here: Tsuba are beautiful - Kantei Series #01: “The Black Shakudo Tsuba - Ko-Kinko, Kyo Shoami or Soten?“ Enjoy reading! Best wishes, Tobi www.nihonto.art www.tsuba-no-kake.com

And three more - Daisho Kyo Sukashi, and Akiyoshi (明義) late Edo – Mutsu – student of Kōno Haruaki (河野春明)

Edo Mito 無銘(水戸) Willow and waterfowl - NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon (For sale if interested)

Thank you Ian! PM sent.

Hi, if someone has a copy for sale or is willing to share the pictures of the Tsuba inside - thank you in advance! SOTHEBY'S 34 & 35 New Bond Street, London WIA 2AA CATALOGUE OF Japanese SWORDS, SWORD FITTINGS AND ARMOUR The Property of VARIOUS OWNERS Day of Sale Tuesday, 31st May, 1977 at 10.30 am precisely Best wishes, Tobi

1) sold 2) sold 3) sold 4) new price 250€

update: (sry not sold here) Kyo-Shoami - NBHTK Hozon certificate- 1100 € Higo - probably Nishigaki - 320 € Tosa Myochin Heianjo Sukashi Akao - water well - 350 € Akasaka - Chrysanthenum - NBTHK Hozon certificate - 700 € Akasaka - Sugawara Denju Tanarai Kagami Akasaka - Pine, Karigane, Moon - NBTHK hozon certificate - 750 € Akasaka - Stick figure - 500 € Kyo Shoami - Itomaki Hanabishi - NBTHK Hozon certificate Late Edo Owari Kyo Shoami - Take Bamboo

update: Kyo-Shoami - NBHTK Hozon certificate- 1100 € Higo - probably Nishigaki - 320 € Tosa Myochin Heianjo Sukashi - 1700 € Akao - water well - 350 € Akasaka - Chrysanthenum - NBTHK Hozon certificate - 700 € Akasaka - Sugawara Denju Tanarai Kagami Akasaka - Pine, Karigane, Moon - NBTHK hozon certificate - 750 € Akasaka - Stick figure - 500 € Kyo Shoami - Itomaki Hanabishi - NBTHK Hozon certificate Late Edo Owari Kyo Shoami - Take Bamboo - 450 €

sounds familiar with my reported cases. Enjoy the Tsuba and close this case

I will follow the post in case it shows up somewhere later. Had the Tsuba on my view for a while so I might recognize it. — offtopic: I had several several similar cases here in France. The delivery driver even signed himself with my name and a fake signature. After filing an official complaint the items were delivered by another driver same day. All this looked very suspicious to me. I suspect him to make money with the cases in which people dont complain. Or personel situation forces them to trick their System to manipulate performance e.g. „delivered in time“

I think its leaning towards the Owari tradition. Clearly classical Akasaka style. How about four dragonflies flying outwards?

Hey Dee, I agree aswell. This one looks legit Best wishes, Tobi

Kyo Shoami - Itomaki Hanabishi - NBTHK Hozon certificate - sold

Small update: Sugawara Denju Tanarai Kagami - sold Late Edo Owari - sold

Did you already consider there were several generations of Tadatoki active? there were more an less skilled workers active. Shinsa is always a good way to get proof your signature is authentic - if you think its a work from a better artist. But you wont get the attribution to a generation obviously. Perfect condition reference pieces published or from famous collections (e.g. pieces with a good story to tell) are more expensive than the common things. 5k is ofc high above - for me at least. but if someone wants to have it to him/her it might be reasonable. if you aquire all of them maybe you can figure out which generation and maker it was? 😇 Best wishes, Tobi

unf(a/i)nished? Holding it for a while and still no clue about the school.

11) Mokume Gane - Masaki Takahashi - sold.

Hi, I recently inlibariated several book collections and am offering a couple of books you might be interested in. Nihonto - Swords and Tosogu, Tsuba 1) Die Meister der japanischen Schwertzierathen - Shinkichi Hara, Hamburg 1902 -80€ 2) The Connaisseurs Book of Japanese Swords - Kokan Nagayama - 65€ 3) Tosogu no Kigen - Sasano Masayuki -90€ 4) The Art of the Japanese Sword - Kapp and Yoshindo Yoshihara 45€ 5) Japan Magazin - Die Seele des Samurai, März 2004 -25€ 6) Sotheby & Co. - catalogue of the Bradford collection of Tsuba, 20th May 1975 -65€ 7) Handbook of sword evaluation -jap. title -15€ Swords of the samurai - Victor Harris, Nobuo Ogasawara -25€ 9) The Japanese sword - Kanzan Satō -35€ 10) Swords of the samurai - Victor Harris, Nobuo Ogasawara -25€ 11) Mokume Gane - Masaki Takahashi -15€ 12) Meito in North America - Yagyu Tsuba, NBThK AB -50€ 13) Japanischer Titel -50€ Netsuke 1) Sotheby & Co. Catalogue of Japanese Netsuke, Inro, Ojime, Laquer Wares and sculpture, Wednesday 4th March 1981 - 20€ 2) Sotheby & Co. Catalogue of Japanese Netsuke, Inro, Laquer and other works of art, Wednesday 15th July 1981 - 20€ 3)Sotheby & Co. Catalogue of Japanese Netsuke, Ceramics and other works of art, Thursday 17th December 1981 -20€ 4) Sotheby & Co. Catalogue of Fine Japanese Netsuke, Inro, Laquer wares and ceramics, Monday 1st of June 1981 -20€ 5) Sotheby & Co. Catalogue of Japanese Netsuke, Inro, Laquer and other works of art, Wednesday 9th September 1981 -20€ 6) Netsuke - ein Brevier, HG Bunke - 10€ 7) Sotheby‘s a collection of Netsuke, 26th of October 1981 -25€ Sotheby‘s Fine Netsuke, Inro, Ceramics, Laquerwares and works of art, 26th of October 1981 - 25€ If you buy all in one we will negotiate about a mega deal Shipping at best rates from France or Germany.

Hi, selling 4 Kozuka like shown: 1) Nara, 130 € 2) Nara, 100 € 3) Nara with knife, 150 € 4) Kyo-Kinko, Signature 武蔵国住〇下衛義作之 270 € Motive 1-3 might be Yasuchika School late generation. Shipping from France or Germany at the lowest rate from 5 € Best wishes, Tobi

Dear collectors and readers interested in Tsuba, I am parting with a significant part of my collection so please feel welcome to buy or make an offer on the items shown. Kyo-Shoami - NBHTK Hozon certificate- 1100 € Higo - probably Nishigaki - 320 € Tosa Myochin - 650 € Heianjo Sukashi - 1700 € Akao - water well - 350 € Akasaka - Chrysanthenum - NBTHK Hozon certificate - 700 € Akasaka - Sugawara Denju Tanarai Kagami - 450 € Akasaka - Pine, Karigane, Moon - NBTHK hozon certificate - 750 € Akasaka - Stick figure - 500 € Kyo Shoami - Itomaki Hanabishi - NBTHK Hozon certificate - 600 € Late Edo Owari - 150 € Kyo Shoami - Take Bamboo - 450 € To reduce traffic on the board - more pictures only on request by pm. Shipping from France or Germany at best rates - typically the next day. (example: US ships for 22,50€, Europe 14,00€, France and Germany: free) Best wishes, Tobi

Last round for a long term ending TODAY! - June 2024 edition: June 2024 edition: Three Sukashi Tsuba from 1,00 € on evay. No reserve price! Happy Bidding! 🔥 ebay seller profile: tsuba-no-kake https://www.ebay.de/itm/176416398510 https://www.ebay.de/itm/176416398494 https://www.ebay.de/itm/176416398493