Tsuba Collector

Hey, thanks everyone for the reply’s! I have learned a lot from everyone’s input. This is really interesting learning how everyone looks at pieces. Really appreciate all your expertise! If I wanted to look into tsuba making history and learn what features identify quality tsuba’s any reading material that you might recommend? Appreciate the link to that thread @Spartancrest!

Hi Grey, Appreciate the reply! Even if it wasn’t mounted - still interested in the history and it’s my first tsuba so that’s okay. Appreciate learning from all the replies! Thank you for your expertise and time.

Hi John, Thanks for the reply! Just getting into the hobby so look forward to browsing the forums more. I was reading that the rust, carving and texture of the tuba can often differentiate them from casts. It’s seems like quite the art form. If you don’t mind me asking, what features make you say it’s a 19th century tsuba?

Bought this at a flea market in Japan. Wasn’t expecting much since it’s my first tsuba, just liked the design. Was hoping to learn more about it if anyone has some insight. After doing a bit of my own research - landscape design seems like a pretty common design for tsuba.