I recently inherited this matching fuchi-kashira set decorated with spiny lobsters on shakudō nanako. The fuchi appears to be signed 大森英秀 with a kaō, which I understand reads Ōmori Teruhide.
I found the Walters Art Museum tsuba, accession 51.121, attributed to Teruhide (https://art.thewalters.org/object/51.121/). It uses a strikingly similar combination: one copper lobster and one gold lobster on shakudō. I realize similarity of subject and signature is not evidence of authenticity, and I am particularly interested in whether the carving, nanako, construction, mei and kaō appear consistent with genuine Ōmori-school work.
The pieces came to me through an inherited collection. They have not been cleaned or altered.
I would appreciate opinions on:
1. Whether the signature and kaō appear plausibly executed.
2. Whether the workmanship is consistent with Teruhide or another Ōmori-school artist.
3. Any signs of gimei, casting or later manufacture.
4. Whether the set appears worth submitting to NBTHK or NTHK shinsa.
