Deez77

Thank you for your efforts. This is a great resource. Feel free to include this example from my collection (I noticed one of mine already listed), which members from this forum helped me to understand originally, if you see fit: Let me know if you need better pictures of anything. Regards Damon

For what it's worth, Chat GPT gives the below... maybe something useful out of it 🤷🏼‍♂️. "田家水図 (Denka suizu): “village and water scene” — a pastoral motif. This inscription is written in cursive Japanese kanji (草書体) and seems to describe a tsuba (sword guard). It reads approximately as follows: 尚古堂光暁 竪丸形　赤銅地　金象嵌 田家水図　彩色色絵 Romanization: Shōkodō Kōgyō Tatemaru-gata shakudō-ji kinzōgan Denka suizu saishiki iro-e Translation: “By Shōkodō Kōgyō. Vertical oval shape, shakudō ground with gold inlay. Depicting the scene of fields and water, with colored decoration.”

Thank you Piers. 🙏

Here's a sample from my collection, also signed Kinai. Damon

Thanks a lot Dale. Yes, very similar indeed

Hello all, I wanted to share (what I would guess is) a rare occurrence when it comes to sekigane, one piece that is wrapped around the entire inner part of the nakago-ana. A bit of research makes be believe this is called 全周責金 zenshū sekigane. Does that sound right? Do others have examples of this? I am guessing this is just a more "high-class" way of refitting the tsuba, no? Damon

Thanks a lot everyone. The ideas and input from everyone was amazing. It really took me on a journey through all of the different possibilities. The reverse doesn't provide any additional clues. Dale's example does look quite close, and one really can't discount the "stylized" factor. Thanks again everyone. For what it's worth, there appears to be (what I think is) a small repair using shakudo. I can't say I've seen something like that before, and wonder what might have caused the initial "damage." Damon

Hi all, I'm looking for some help on identifying what plant is depicted on this tsuba. I've tried in vain with chatgpt, but couldn't pinpoint it. Many thanks Damon

Hi Bruno, Thank you for sharing your piece with us. Your new piece seems quite nice. Congratulations. From examples I have seen, and those shared in this thread, the Yoshihisa lineage was quite accomplished and produced very nice pieces. While I collect mainly Echizen Kinai, I do have some pieces from other schools active in the Echizen region, including Myochin and Akao. Here are a few of the Myochin pieces in my collection. Note that sometimes signed Esshu and sometimes Echizen, but my understanding is both originate in Echizen. I hope these help with your research. Damon

Still with a "rim" Damon

Not related to this Kaneie at all, but sharing a piece from my collection with the same story (motif)...by Echizen Daijo Nagatsune Minamoto. Damon

Welcome back, Dale. 👋

I always felt this shibuichi Kinai tsuba I have was related to a gear of some sort. It certainly has an industrial, mechanical look to it. Damon

Very interesting discussion. If only these tosogu could talk, the stories they might tell. 😁 I have this piece which was struck with something very hard. I guess it's plausible that's it's a sword strike. Edited just to specify I'm not referring to the unique rendering of the pine cone, but to the indention on the edge near it. Damon

I'm really pleased with this little tanto-sized tsuba. The workmanship is really quite nice, and the pictures I had access to did not do it justice. As promised, better quality images attached for your viewing pleasure. Thank you again for those who provided help with the motif. Damon

Somehow came across this post, Dale. Didn't realize you were looking... 😁 Damon

Thanks Jake. I know the feeling. I'll post some better quality images of the piece once I've got it in hand. Thanks to all who contributed! 🙇 Damon

Wow! That was quick. I appreciate it, Matsunoki. Happy new year all! Damon

Hi everyone. This is a tsuba I bought not too long ago. Could anyone provide insight into the motif? It looks to me like a warrior carrying something on his back (religious statue?) has put down his naginata and stopped to tie his shoe on a bridge. 😆 I could be waaay off. I'm sure it's related to a traditional story, right? Thanks a lot for your help. Damon

Thanks for starting this thread Dee. I really like your piece and it does remind me of the leaves of a daikon (radish). I have a couple of odd balls when in comes to plugs, too. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Damon

Incense burner with tsuba design: https://page.auction.../auction/g1158457297 Damon

A simple piece from my collection, but my favorite as it was my first. Owned by my grandfather, it was mounted on an officer's sword taken back to the USA after WW2. Damon

Message sent...thank you. Damon

Hello all, For reference as part of the discussion, here's a Buddhist wheel design I have, and a gear which I guess some think may be related to Christian iconography. Regards Damon

Hello all, If you have a copy of this book and are looking to sell it, please get in touch with me. Regards, Damon