Matsunoki

The subject on the toad tsuba is Gama Sennin with his three legged toad. Yes, that is a big tsuba! The other one depicts Fukurokuju laughing whilst reading a scroll with a child(?), also a large tsuba. Both obviously Katana size, both Edo probably early 1800s (just an opinion) Google those names and you’ll find loads of info.

Adam, generally speaking soft metal pieces look far better with their intended subdued and specially applied patina which is definitely not bright and shiny. I would stop now if I were you. I would be researching correct ways to calm it down rather than shine it up.

David, there is a translation section on this forum. I suggest you post it there…..you’ll have more luck…..that’s where the specialists reside!

Paris, not sure if I’m understanding you correctly but, if a tsuba is for sale on 8 different auctions but it hasn’t sold, that is NOT a good sign. It signals that something is wrong….either with the item, or the seller or the circumstances that it is being sold under. Yes you can see the same thing for sale by several different sellers, they steal the images from the original auction/listing and realist it trying to sell it for a bit higher price then if they sell it they quickly buy it from the original seller. It’s a dirty game. Stay away is my advice.

Personally I don’t think it will sell at that money. There are quite a few cropping up on ebay (described as “vintage” -whatever that means) and mostly they don’t sell either. Make great display pieces though.

I see he hasn’t given a date. Honestly, It looks brand new to me and they are still being made today.

Another incredibly helpful contribution from @Jacques D.

A few poor images of some quite nice (and better) Wakizashi and Tanto that I’ll have at Birmingham on 16th February. Some papered. A selection of Koto, Shinto, Shinshinto and Shinsakuto…..many in near mint polish (but these images don’t show the detail very well……sorry!) (but the description cards will give you an idea) I will also have some decent tsuba, fuchi kashira and a few menuki sets. I’m there to sell my collection so no offer will offend me. Hope to see some of you there…..again! PS….sorry, I cannot take cards

Many of us just got bored with petty semantic arguments that achieved nothing except to confuse pointlessly

I think you will have more luck posting this in the translation section of this forum.

Thomas, Uwe, (and others) everything you say is perfectly true and civilised but, when challenged, instead of engaging in constructive debate, Jacques simple either ignores perfectly valid points and questions, or he diverts away with his “Earth is flat” quote or he resorts to insults. In some cases ( as with me…and others) he resorts to aggressive and insulting unwarranted personal messages which I’m sure he would never dare do face to face. On one post he even called me a liar and when challenged he simply went quiet and refused to explain himself. It’s a shame, rather spoils the ambience of this excellent forum.

Steve is far more knowledgeable than me on these old seal marks so I defer to him. However its anctual origin is by no means as simple. It isn’t Chinese Ming dynasty….its nowhere near good enough. However the Japanese produced stuff like this copying Chinese in both bronze and cloisonné and they put Chinese reign marks on them….often Ming! ….so I still reckon it is of Japanese origin…..difficult to understand why the Japanese, with all their knowledge and amazing skill went down this road. Money I guess.

Well it’s Japanese. The plaque on the bottom is a makers mark which starts “dai Nihon” but I don’t recognise the remainder. It’s trying to depict an idyllic mountain temple and possibly Jurojin (one of the lucky Gods) with his associated crane. Age….C1900ish. Please excuse the frankness but you asked for “all info” so I’m sad to tell you it’s about the worst possible quality. If you are thinking of buying it, I would not. It has very little financial value and no artistic merit. Again, my apologies.

Subject to payment this lovely Tanto now has a new home. Thanks for all your enquiries, apologies to the disappointed.

I am the current custodian of this interesting Tanto that was first posted years ago in the link below. Rare and superb papered dated Tanto by a significant Showa smith and in pristine condition. I am in the process of selling my collection and hence the offer here. With enormous regret I must limit shipping to a UK only address (severe export/import shipping problems in UK) Shipping will be at my risk via Special Delivery or Courier or I will deliver it myself or I can take it to the Birmingham Arms Fair or meet you halfway somewhere. To be discussed. £2750 incl shipping payable only by bank transfer. This is way below what it owes me in a deal….but hey-Ho. Please….only realistic enquiries within the above restrictions. Happy to supply any other images or info.

I have a slightly different view, after all, we are not in Japan and although I respect tradition and humility I like to live with my things, to see them when I walk around. It would be sad for me to tuck them away out of sight. I believe their original owners would have kept them visible in kake. Obviously be aware of children and pets and the curiously ignorant. Just my personal view.

…..and sometimes the thread on these combined metal menuki/mekugi is reversed ie it might unscrew clockwise. Try each way gently.

These are usually Meiji creations aimed at Gaijin. They usually contain perfectly genuine old blades of mediocre quality but exceptions exist.

That makes perfect sense. This variety of Tachi koshirae are still made today in Japan and are offered as auspicious gifts and rewards (including to champion Sumo) and would have been a fitting business gift. It may never have had an actual blade. I’d guess at Showa period, no earlier.

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.