FlorianB

Rather strange. At first I thought of a bonsai tree - but without a bowl? Is there something on the reverse wich could clearify the motif?

The other way round - Daigoro is the successor of Kyo Sukashi in middle/late Edo period Daigoro is well known for an elaborate lattice-like design like these: Sometimes the waterwheel-bridge-motif in question is assigned to Daigoro but I think because of a lack of refinement it is earlier, thus Kyo-sukashi.

As I understand the production of sukashi Tsuba the design was at first crudely holed using chisels while in a red hot condition. Drilling was invented not before the 19th cent.. After cooling the plate the holes have had been filed into the final shapes and the plate itself was filed or polished, too. Thus I think this particular tuba is a rare reference material presenting the intermediate as a final result.

I don’t think it’s cast. As I wrote in the other thread my idea is that this Tsuba is just in the state of an intermediate step. The basic form was produced but a final exact execution is missing for what reason ever. Maybe a customer was fond of the blurred design. The second example is of poor quality and the Akasaka-label on the third is nonsense. This Yodo-bridge-design is typical Kyo-Sukashi (or later Daigoro) and the gilding must be a subsequent addition.

Sorry to say, but this Tsuba has a very peculiar look, especially in comparison with the examples by Dale. Maybe not finalized…?

At least the mark should be quality, not quantity. But I must admit - lucky if you could combine both!

In my eyes these are study pieces for the beginner but for a decent price the collection seems OK. However, some day it won’t be easy to get rid of them again. BTW: No. 7 lost the rim, it should look like: https://world-seiyudo.com/product/tu-050522/

Can’t believe, that there are much pure itomaki-gata out there, because it is not convenient for practical use. The spikes could entangle with the clothes while wearing or drawing a sword mounted with a Tsuba of this particular form.

Tosho-style. Sorry to say, I recognize a lack of precision in execution (the shape of nakago ana for instance) for giving the impression of an older piece.

Hi Justin, I agree that it is an original from Edo period, however difficult to ascertain to a specific school or smith. The condition, too, isn’t the best. As Dale suggested try to restore the rusty areas with antler or bone. Nice contrast in between the iron surface and soft metals, copper, brass, silver and shibuichi for the rat. It seems that the patination of the rat is partially rubbed off. Sometimes after many years it might restore by itself. Nice find anyhow! Any dimensions?

Miraculously it has been sold in the last hours - what a pity!

The surface tells it own tale.

I have doubts, too. Silver becomes bluish-black while tarnishing. The colour here looks mere like shibuichi, a small amount of silver at least. Moreover I think the use of solid silver is only to be found on top level handicraft.

Mushrooms are always depicted with elongated stems. At least: Kukurizaru giving the impression of mushrooms (or distant pines? ).

I just wonder about the motif. The similar pine tree pattern is well known. But on Okan's piece it looks like kukurizaru (or tumblers). Kukurizaru are an old motif, but always in different angles, to show the playful sense. But here they are all upside down - so what’s the idea?