Matsunoki

That’s ok if the teacher is correct. Not so good if he isn’t or if opinions are quoted as facts or if simple questions are avoided/ignored. Ends up in total confusion….as on this thread. A newbie reading this will be scratching his head.

Is the translation wrong? yes or no? if yes….how?

Let’s all agree with Jacques, it’s easier.

Every Japanese one? Apparently not? ……and does it even matter?

I have the same feeling as @tom. Looks incredibly fresh…..the Ito is pristine and rather simply done. Is there any history that adds “age”?

I don’t even think collecting tsuba is difficult. Tsuba are plentiful and easily available. Prices can vary from a few $ to many thousands. However collecting “good” tsuba requires acquiring knowledge and developing the eye that enables you to apply that knowledge…..and the money needed. …..and what constitutes a “good” Tsuba (and its “$value”) will vary greatly from collector to collector. Some collect certain artists, certain schools, certain designs, certain periods, certain techniques, certain materials…..there is a huge variety to chose from.….or if you simply want to collect tsuba that simply appeal to you then there is nothing to stop you. Go buy some and see. If you decide it’s not for you then sell them. You will make financial mistakes (as many of us have) but you will learn from them. You will make errors of judgement but again you will learn and refine your eye. If however you want a hobby where you can look up that exact tsuba and ascertain its precise age, maker and price then maybe tsuba are not for you. I’m sure some of this has been said above already but my attention wandered a bit.

I would just like to ask if @Jacques D. statements are facts (sources?) or just opinions. If so - whose?…. because opinions can vary. Not trying to spoil the thread, just to ascertain where the gospel comes from.

It looks like either a total fake or the top section from a blade that has been made to vaguely resemble a Tanto. The nakago is mis-shaped, the mekugi ana is in an unlikely place, there is terrible calligraphy which shouldn’t even be on the blade. All in all ….what Brian said….avoid.

Characteristics of the object Equipment: Tamahagane Original/Reproduction: Antique Original Region of origin: Japan Description of the item provided by the seller Description of the item provided by the seller Wakizashi Signed:備州長船住康光 Bishu Osafune ju Yasumitsu. Nagasa 41.5 cm. Sori 0.9 cm. Motohaba 2.8 cm. Motogasane 0.6 cm. Sakihaba 1.9 cm. Sakigasane 0.4 cm. Blade weight: 387 g Mounted weight: 687. Torii-zori (華表反): the curvature is located in the centre of the blade. It is the most used type of sori. Also called kyo, being a reference to the Yamashiro tradition, which mainly used this type of curvature

Hi John, I think it’s just the motif/subject. In the wider field of Japanese art absolutely anything with a skull or skeleton is much sought after….okimono, netsuke etc. It’s the “momento mori” thing and would also appeal to all collectors of that genre irrespective of the actual object. I also like that tsuba!….but I’m selling not buying! Edit….pointed out by Jean @ROKUJURO…it’s Memento, not Momento. I’ve been using the wrong word for over 40 years. Nothing new there🙂

What Jean says is so true. It’s a bit like picking a scab. You know you shouldn’t do it, you know it hurts but you just can’t resist and so you do it anyway🙂 Apologies for bad taste.

Could the hangers be part of a Shinto ritual asking for a good harvest? Dunno.

Actually having known Ford (for 40 odd years) I think he would have tried to explain and educate Dan and the rest of us. It was one of his greatest desires. It was mostly his long term health problems that dissuaded him from getting heavily involved over the last few years. He enjoyed a “healthy debate” and never came at things with a dismissive attitude. If the question was a genuine one he would always give his opinion and explain why. Hmm tricky that one Dale. My first reaction was “cast” . Second reaction was forged very badly and then subject to fire. Third reaction was don’t know but looks “got at” to me. At some point it looks to have been heavily pitted (unless cast). I’ll pass on that one and avoid trouble🙂

The one you show here is now mine again…..link to when I put it on the forum…..the reverse is lovely imo.

I’m also not 100% but I think Ray is right. The mekugi (cord cylinder) could consist of a female internally threaded tube into which a male threaded bolt or screw inserts from the other side. One thing to be careful with, sometimes they have an opposite thread ie turn clockwise to loosen.