Tori B

Thanks Brian. Yes, I definitely enjoy these pieces! I'm deeply impressed by the workmanship that went into them, particularly the one with the theater mask. That hair! Those cranes! Even the tiny flowers(?) on the edge of the nakago-ana are an 'unnecessary' detail that only emphasize the artistry of the maker. And I've learned a ton just by asking for assistance here. I'm looking forward to continuing learning.

Here is the other tsuba (and thanks for the correction about pluralization).

Thank you Ian. You're right, in person it is of good quality. But it doesn't surprise me at all that this probably is a faked piece. My grandfather was known to occasionally stretch the truth about things he had done in his life and owning this would fit right in to that.

I have received two tsubas originally owned by my grandfather, one of which has a mei. Any translation assistance or any other information you could give about the tsuba pictured would be wonderful. My grandfather was a world traveler and a bit of a mystery and I would appreciate any knowledge that allows me to know him a bit better. I love both tsubas and find them so extraordinarily beautiful -- the craftsmanship and artistry make me want to weep. A huge thank you for your time and expertise. I will also include an image my daughter created of the characters, in case that helps.