edzo

Thanks, J E, originally i had the jo, but thought it could be a residence and went to ju, not good at this. This should help me research the title. Thanks very much, maybe the blade is better than i thought or interesting history. Respectfully, Ed F

Dear Steve M and Steve S, thanks for responding. I spent hours attempting to translate, the smith was easy the other kanji was not so may be wrong. I will now attempt to resize and attach a photo properly. Ed F Doc4.docx Doc4.docx

Have a blade signed "Hikita Tarobe-ju Kiyonobu but unable to find any geo-reference for the place or location. Thank you in advance for your effort if known. Regards, Ed F

Thanks for your time and contribution. You are correct these are photos I copied because the owners live in Latvia at this time. They want to sell their collection. I explained I would be interest but require the items in-hand to make a complete assessment. Friday they husband and wife responded they would be willing to send the items. I agree with your translation. I was not aware at the time tsuba are pronounced using the Japanese reading. I compared the Somin Kao sig to one in the MFA Boston collection but it was Katakiri bori style which confused me even more. The photo I sent was inadequate so I've attached the intended photo.

Thanks for your time and contribution. You are correct these are photos I copied because the owners live in Latvia at this time. They want to sell their collection. I explained I would be interest but require the items in-hand to make a complete assessment. Friday they husband and wife responded they would be willing to send the items. I agree with your translation. I was not aware at the time tsuba are pronounced using the Japanese reading. I compared the Somin Kao sig to one in the MFA Boston collection but it was Katakiri bori style which confused me even more. The photo I sent was inadequate so I've attached the intended photo.

Hi Luca, I am interested in the Mon as well. You requested to know if anyone else has seen it so I am attaching a photo. Its called a Heienjo zogan but I'm not sure. In this example the inlay is hira zogan as can be seen. I was thinking Yoshiro but am very confused. Thanks for your post, EdF

Thanks Steve, my suspicion was that it looked to be 19th century that I believe is too late. I did read that the master "Somin" sig was at least used by 4 of his students. I am still curious as to the reading in the gold cartouhe if it is convenient or anyone else that may know. Thank you very much, EdF

Looking at Tsuba being offered for sale. Attempted to translate signature but after concluding Munechicka was wrong and finding a sig Somin/Kao, I think it may be a potential big name. My research has led me to Yokoya Somin but I turned up little in this technique of workmanship except for an 18th cent piece in the Peabody Museum Salem MA. Those that responded to my post asked to post a photo however, I felt that this would be a more appropriate place to post. I have been unable to translate the cartouche characters on a gold background which I am sure would help and makes me think its a qualifier of sorts of the local, date and artist. The second thing that raises my interest are the stamp markings on the sekigane of both sides or the item almost suggesting a deliberate effort & certification by the artist? The condition of the tsuba appears good and not abused. I am waiting hopefully, for tis to be sent so that I can examine in hand for obvious reasons. The attached photos are from photo copies. Am hoping for a translation and confirmation of my thinking as well as if the item may warrant papering. Thank You in advance respectfully, EdF

Hi Kyle, researching tsuba myself, Tetsugendo is a direction i would explore, Yokoya Somin and the painter (a friend and possible collaborator. His style became very popular in Edo. MFA Boston collection exhibits one on google under Yokoya Somin for a look. good luck just 2 cents. EdF

Hi Zanilu, I will post a photo but after reading Haynes (Aesthetic Study), and previous posts on this site i'm confused. Give me some time to learn how to upload and i'll send. I am attempting to determine the same thing, pls be patient crazy schedule not sure i can help. Respectfully, EdF

Hi Zanilu, I would like to know if Hira zogan was employed by heianjo as well as Yoshiro school in Kaga. I have some with taka zogan which tempts me to think onin and heianjo. The openwork leads me to kaga yoshiro however it is only speculated around 1600 when he relocated there. The design/inlay is classic Yoshiro. At least as far as MY research as led me. Ed F

Hi all, I think Kunisada took Toyukuni name (his teacher?), after he died and was then known as Toyukuni III. EdF

Hi again Mark, If framed keep out of any direct light and florescence behind UV glass and with rag matting pref glazed. They will fade and loose their vibrance. I have several. Also u may find they were printed after 1875 but before 1900. I believe the emperor banned kabuki after the refomation for a period of time. His history should be readily avail on internet. EdF

Hi Mark, These are Actor prints of famous actors portraying events in Kabuki plays by Kunichika based upon a quick view of your photos.

Hi Yamabiru, It may be just a declaration. They are sold here openly at auctions and even modern ones in retail outlets plus internet. I would check anyway. Ed F

Great collection, thanks for the post and effort! Edzo.

Hi everyone venturing here, could this be poss Kaga Yoshiro school with the openwork and hira zogan? Thank you, I'm working on similar tsuba.

Hi all, just a thought, could this be the arhats and a rosary or prayer beads? Just a thought.

Hi Pete and S, I am looking at a few Tsuba in a collection that are being offered for sale. I have some photos as the items are in Latvia. I advised the owner that I would need to have the items in hand to examine etc. to confirm my observations for the obvious reasons. Owner advised me that she would consider sending them to me via an inlaw that apparently resides in this area. The pieces were acquired from big auction houses many years ago. I would like to be prepared for them when and if they arrive. I am aware of scams on these matters. I have new programs and will need to bone up on process of sending photos and will review NMB standards etc. As soon as I can send photos I will post in TSUBA catagory. Thank you for assisting me,

Thank You Jeremiah, Axel and Pete for the input and links. Are there any National resources that might be indicative of the worthiness of a tsuba that would justify the potential of an item prior to that level of papering? I'm thinking if the maker is a potential big name. Pete I will check your links shortly and thanks again. Respectfully, Ed F

Hi Members and visitors, Topic; Papers for tsuba. Am interested in having some idea of what is involved, time and cost. Additionally, what papers are best and would run with tsuba much like a gemstone certificate by GIA. Any advice or opinion will be appreciated. Thank You in advance, Ed F

Good luck Brian, will give it a try, your efforts are always appreiciated! Thanks, edzo

Hi James, I’m new to Nihonto interest. Some time ago I had my first exposure to the art form and inspected a Yasutsugu blade that had military docs identifying it to the Shodai (1st generation).My research revealed that there were 15 generations and the first three were close in quality. The Shodai was from Echizen but at the shoguns request would travel to Edo to make swords as the Kaji for him. As a result Ieyasu Tokugawa 1, also authorized him to use the Tokugawa Kamon and allowed him to assume “yasu” in his name on the swords. This lineage utilized “barbarian steel” non-traditional, which is mentioned in the signature.The blade was classic Kanbun style and would likely be attributed to the third generation. The School split in two, one remaining in Etchizen the other in Edo. Good candidate for papering though your photos are not definitive. I believe you can find a wealth of info on this lineage, Good luck with it and I would submit it for shinsa if u are comfortable after research efforts. This is just me two cents and may not be reliable. Respectfully, Ed F

Thanks Eric, I'll have to get some and will be careful by testing a small area first. My concern was the lacquer and gold that remains on the face of it. BTW, the hide is about 1/4 " thick, what did it come from, a water buffalo, ox horse ? Ed F

Hi Malcom, thanks for responding. They appear to have three claws and I was aware of the point u made. The subject is filthy, any advice on how to clean them?, or their age?