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Showing results for tags 'tsuba'.
Found 187 results
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Hi, Recent new addition, possibly Kyo Shoami (style), fishing boat with nets and plant of some description (?) dimensions below: Height - 79mm Width - 77.5mm Mimi - 3.8mm Seppa Dai - 3.2mm What has me a little concerned about the tsuba is the off set position of the hitsu. I'm familiar with hitsu of different sizes, irregular shapes and some that look a little off centre as well but not as much as this one. Looks to have been mounted at some point. Appreciate your thoughts.
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Dear all, In order to fit a tsuba of my liking on one of my sword (and to replace the one on the picture), I am looking for a tsuba with the following features. I need an iron tsuba, tosho, ko-tosho, katchushi, ko-katchushi in good condition. The appearance needed must be austere. The shape needed is not an issue, rounded, squared..... The hitsu ana must be plugged or non existent. Please see the measurements needed below and on the picture joined. Thickness : 3.5mm, Weight : 165 gr. In order to avoid too much worries (for me), please try to be very close to the nakago measurements and also close to the thickness. The other measures can be more or less respected. If you have the needed gem, please feel free to contact me by pm. Thank you for your attention.
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Here are four tanto tsuba - nothing exciting but for me, a representative few. They didn't cost much individually but my good friend who appears on this NMB and only bothers with very good quality Nihonto questions whether a good bottle of whisky mightn't be a better deal than one of these ? Obviously he has a point. I haven't included measurements but 6cm is the largest diameter amongst them. Roger j
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A brass Nanban Tsuba with rich dark patina, likely originating in southeast Asia it was modified for purpose in Japan with the addition of Hitsu-ana and a roped Shakudo Fukurin. An iron plate, roughly 1mm thick has been inset into the Seppa-dai on the Omote. The motif is mixed, on the Omote symbols of the eight Taoist Immortals on the Ura phoenix in clouds. An opportunity for a serious Nanban collector to pick up a unique piece. Age: Momoyama-Early Edo Period Height: 7.8cm Width: 7.1cm Thinckness at Nakago-ana: 5mm Thickness at Mimi: 6mm Weight: 164.2g Nakago-ana height: 2.8cm Nakago-ana width bottom: 7mm Nakago-ana width top: 1.5mm $525 USD + Shipping
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So i saw this one and loved the whimsy. It reminds me a little of a drawing by Breugel. Anyway, i was curious so i researched the story behind this one. The story seems to go that Kinko (Qin Gao) was a Daoist sage (Sennin) who spent the first 200 years of his life painting fish. He had such respect for them that he would never harm or eat them. The Dragon lord of the river kingdom sent a giant fish to invite him to come and be his guest, so Kinko told his students he would return and rode the fish under the water into the river kingdom. He was a guest there for around a month and, upon returning meets the god(dess) Kannon, who gives him a scroll that teaches the Buddhist way of protecting all life. Anyone have any examples from this legend? I've only seen this one and it (and my wallet) is decidedly low-end.
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Purchased from N.M.B 'For Sale' section offered by Leporello earlier this year and very pleased to now own it. There are three blade cuts on the mimi and I am very aware that it can only be conjecture that they were received in a battle but I am happy to think so. Complements an old, early blade (?1400s) I have in shin gunto mounts with three or four battle scars also. I haven't come across commentary on such scars here before ? Maker is possibly Yamashiro Kaneie ? Roger j
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For you kind comments please.... I have a tsuba which shows at least two specific characteristics: 1- Original Histsu Ana have a very funny shape looking similar to a "chinese hat" (Kantei point ?) 2- Then, they have been plugged with a very high quality shakudo (strong bkack one) which should have been expensive 3- Finnaly, one of the hitsu ana as been cut to become a kogai ana As a natural conclusion this tsuba has been used in different koshirae styles but any other explanation are more than welcome.
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Gentlemen, I am looking for high quality Tsuba and Tosogu made in the late Edo Period. Kinko Tsuba, mainly Shakudo of good quality,but other kinko also. I collect Tsuba for 20 years now and I am aware that such pieces are not cheap, please make me a reasonable offer. I am located in Germany, but have no problem with international sellers.
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Just doing a trawl on the 'net' and came across this little snippet from 2014 https://www.minelab.com/consumer/success-stories/old-Japanese-samurai-tsuba This is something we won't get to do here! "Stop the presses" - this is unbelievable - I only down loaded my latest book last night to Blurb and it arrived at 1.20 pm today! Now that is not service that's witchcraft ! ['Additional Early Articles for Tsuba Study'] Now the proof read!
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Hi, I am trying to write a description for one of my tsuba, and am having trouble determining what the meaning of the decorations are. I think the piece is Jakushi work (though we'll never know for sure because its not signed - had to have been somebody in the Nagasaki area though). One side shows a rain dragon (thanks Gordon/others), and the other shows workers who are apparently planting rice. They seem to show the cloud the rain dragon is from wrapping around the piece, suggesting this is some kind of unified theme. So... is there a legend or standard name for this or is it just a "rain dragon/rice planting themed tsuba"? Apologies if you've already seen this - I've posted it in another forum or three as well. Thanks in advance, rkg
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Back before the world went Covid, in 2019 Leon Kr posted a thread http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/30455-help-needed-with-mei/ That he never really got a straight answer to. I believe because at the time it was dismissed as 'oh no not another cast copy'. Well having just stumbled upon it, I thought to clarify a rather muddy topic. I am normally on the look out for mass produced copies and have posted a few threads on this subject - however this time I would like to show a collection of mass individual pieces 'utsushi' I would guess. From my research there are quiet a range of metals used in their construction but they tend to have three distinct features either a full signature. A partial signature. Or are not signed. The design is always the same but I have yet to see any, that are an exact copy of another. The signatures according to the various owners or sellers usually state to be 'Toshimasa' - Then it gets mixed up - Kofu ju Toshimasa, Kofu jyu Toshimasa, Sumu Toshimasa and the book by the members of the 'Japanese sword society of New York' 1966 describe the maker as 'Mitsunobu (Bushu {Musashi} Province) yet apart from the last, the Kanji is all the same? Toshimasa had several designs, Leon Kr's 'Waves and Birds' also becomes 'Waves and Maple leaves'. Then there is the Dragon - Rain dragon, Smooth dragon, Serpentine dragon, Water dragon, Kissing dragon - no one knows and does it really matter! The point is they are not cast copies. ps. There were several 'Toshimasa' including a father and son - take your pick because your guess is as good as anyone elses!
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Hi, recently I acquired a Tsuba with a somewhat unusual motiv, a giant snake and what seems to be a worshipper(?). I have no clue for the interpretation: the Internet and "Legend in Japanese Art", by Henri Joly is of no help (at least for me). Elements in the Tsuba are very similar to Soten, but the snake is foreign, so it seems. Usually snakes are hostile in Japanese legends, but this one seems almost friendly? Can anyone help? Sincerely Hans
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Hi, I posted in the Translation Assistant last night the mei of this tsuba and thanks to Steve M for completing the translation. 江府住 - Kōfu-jū 逸平義久 - Itsuhira Yoshihisa I've now taken some images (hopefully they have come out okay?) of the whole tsuba which I think depicts fishing in springtime, going by a bit of research on Japanese/Chinese landscape prints. Assuming late Edo period. I can't find any information on the maker, any insight from the forum would be welcome. Found a couple of similar variations of this theme but unsigned. There doesn't seem to much in the way of literature on Kofu tsuba, but hopefully someone can point me in the right direction? Also interested in if this is the makers full name? Used to seeing two character signatures. Fishing in springtime, Ike - no - Taiga (1747) Tsuba dimensions: Height: 77mm Width: 71mm Mimi: 4.1mm Seppa dai: 4.4mm Thanks Colin
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Hi, Recent addition, I'll post some further pictures shortly. I can translate the Kofu ju but the rest I can only get the last character Hisa. Was expecting Masahisa but doesn't look like that. Any help from the couple of images attached would be appreciated. Many thanks Colin
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Several months ago I released a two volume book "Public Domain Tsuba in the Metropolitan Museum" - within that book there is an unusual example of a Kawari-gata guard that appeared to have originally had a maru rim, now removed. I have just come across the full example for comparison. You can clearly see they are the same design and the 85mm example has a fairly robust rim [mimi]. The Museums example though decorative would be impractical for use, the finer elements being easily cut off and a risk of catching on any lose clothing.
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Hello, I recently acquired this lovely kinko tsuba from Grey Doffin. The front depicts a chase in the clouds between a Samurai and a Demon that has stolen a treasure and the back the Samurai has caught the Demon and taken the treasure back. I was wondering if anyone has information about the folk tale depicted and any ideas which school it might be from? Tom
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I have come across this very interesting Blog site, that will either make you weep, or cheer the ingenuity of ultimate recycling. I like many collectors, like to display my collection but I don't know anyone who lives/lived within their collection as did Louis Comfort Tiffany. http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/59036 Please look at the images at the highest resolution, If you think your walls are covered by tsuba, you will be surprised how far earlier collectors outstrip us.
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Just a heads up on another non-tsuba that appears from time to time. These desk ornaments were made back in the late 70's, not the 1870's, the 1970's. They were made as museum replicas for a travelling exhibition on Japanese swords and sword furniture, I know because I went to it in Sydney about 1979.(yes I am that old) I have seen these passed off as genuine mounted examples of Edo work and some have the bases removed to make them 'serviceable'. As a replica I paid $40 which was fairly high priced at the time, but some are now being sold for $400 or more - another is on auction right now - opening bid $20 which sounds fair but I wouldn't bid much more!
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Hi Gents, Following the way of collecting, releasing few nice items in two parts. This is part 1 and it goes under the code name “iebori”. 1. Dragon in clouds tsuba Signed: Goto Mitsuharu Kao (H 05154.0) Very nice tsuba, dragon is very well executed, clear example of Goto work to study and catch all the details Size: 72 x 66 x 3 mm Price: USD 1900 2. Dragon in clouds fuchi-kashira Mumei Goto Fine nanako, classic work Price: USD 350 3. Dragons kozuka Mumei Nice kozuka, very fine nanako and sujikai-yasurime Price: USD 450 4. Peony menuki Mumei Very nice formal menuki Price: USD 450 5. Peony fuchi-kashira Signed: Yoshioka Inaba no Suke (H 01894.0) Super fine nanako, calm and strict lines, what else to expect from the retainers of the Tokugawa Shogunate Price: USD 500 Shipping costs and payment fees on top. Donation to the Board from each sale made here. We need to help Brian maintain the hardware/software base and add some cool new titles to his library. I’m accounting on you, guys Regards,
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Papered V's non-papered. Just what do you pay for? These two examples are selling right now, the disparity in price is a joke. That little yellow piece of paper must really be worth something because the objects themselves don't reflect the value for money. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tosano-Kunijumyo-Chinkin-Toshio-Late-Edo-period-Certificate-attached/392858980313?hash=item5b78384fd9:g:B20AAOSwr5Fe~Twf https://www.jauce.com/auction/o404593427 I am thinking of buying the cheaper piece, it looks like the real thing - and I can always supply my own coloured paper.
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Hi I have created my second tsuba for sale catalogue with a price listing The link below will enable you to see all the available tsuba https://www.dropbox.com/s/fakjukzmer8vmla/NMB%20listing.pdf?dl=0 Would you please read the first page before you raise any queries Nothing in the PDF is copyrighted so I’m happy for anyone to keep a copy or ideally pass a copy to any other interested friends or clubs Those that remember my 1st sale will see some changes. There are some of the original tsuba available but the price may be slightly reduced and there are quite a few new tsuba When I asked about a Tanaka or Inaba tsuba I was shocked at the prices but this sale will enable me to buy some of these higher end tsuba to improve my collection As usual there will be a donation to the NMB Grev UK
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I often receive my tsuba purchases without a storage box. This may offend the purists but I refuse to spend more money than the guard is worth on what can be expensive kiri boxes and they dont exactly lend themselves to good display. I came across some clear jewellery cases that are both protective and inexpensive as well as designed for displaying both sides of an object. At first I thought the tsuba metal would 'sweat' being sealed up, but actually the cling film stops any moisture or dust getting in and I have seen no damage at all in four or five years. Various sizes and colours are available but unfortunately some of my really large guards don't fit. I send a link, but check out other related sites because I am not advertsing for any particular manufacturer. I realize this topic has been touched on before but perhaps some newer members are not aware. Also include some standard display boards I made myself. The odd shaped one is based on a Chinese gong shaped tsuba I wish I had (It's a bit too pale for my taste but my wife said she wouldn't let me put up another dark piece of wood!). https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Clear-Jewelry-Suspended-Coins-Floating-Display-Case-Stand-Holder-Box-Easy-Use/352092267124?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
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A very uncommonly encountered Daisho set of Nanban tsuba in very good condition. Matched pair in design with deep sculpting and under-cutting. Extensive gold nunome on both and some silver nunome on the seppadai of the dai tsuba. Additionally, both have matching shakudo frames in the kogai and kozuka hitsuana. The set is unpapered, but worthy of submission to shinsa as a daisho set. Measurements are: Dai 8.05 cm x 7.4 cm x .6 cm Sho 7.55 cm x 6.95 cm x .6 cm Offered here on NMB at a special price of $750.00 USD plus shipping A quite reasonable price and a donation will be made to NMB upon sale. The pair will remain offered here until June 19th, afterwhich, if unsold they will be listed on my website. International buyers; please be aware of your taxes, duties, and fees. The items will be documented to customs with full, accurate, and appropriate declaration, so please know this in advance and resist the urge to request otherwise. **Admins** Please rotate each of the images 90 clockwise. I can almost hear necks cracking the world around. :-)
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58 Tsuba available from a collection I purchased. Note that some tsuba that appear in the photos have sold. Price sheet is attached. Take 20% off the listed price. --Matt Brice St. Croix Blades MB TH tsuba group list -- valuations descriptions 5-22-20.docx
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I found this very interesting article from a book on Rudyard Kipling's travels through Asia at the end of the 19th century, and would like to share it. From Sea to Sea : Letters of Travel by Rudyard Kipling Publication date 1900 Talk to every one you meet, if they show the least disposition to talk to you, and you will gather, as I have done, a host of stories that will be of use to you hereafter. Unfortunately, they are not all fit for publication. When I tore myself away from the distractions of the outer world, and was just sitting down to write seriously on the Future of Japan, there entered a fascinating man, with heaps of money, who had collected Indian and Japanese curios all his life, and was now come to this country to get some old books which his collection lacked. Can you imagine a more pleasant life than his wanderings over the earth, with untold special knowledge to back each signature of his cheque-book ? In five minutes he had carried me far away from the clattering, fidgety folk around, to a quiet world where men meditated for three weeks over a bronze, and scoured all Japan for a sword-guard designed by a great artist and — were horribly cheated in the end. 'Who is the best artist in Japan now ' I asked. 'He died in Tokio, last Friday, poor fellow, and there is no one to take his place. His name was K.., and as a general rule he could never be persuaded to work unless he was drunk. He did his best pictures when he was drunk.' 'Ému. Artists are never drunk.' 'Quite right. I'll show you a sword-guard that he designed. All the best artists out here do a lot of designing. K... used to fritter away his time on designs for old friends. Had he stuck to pictures he could have made twice as much. But he never turned out pot-boilers. When you go to Tokio, make it your business to get two little books of his called Drunken Sketches — pictures that he did when he was — ému. There is enough dash and go in them to fill half a dozen studios. An English artist studied under him for some time. But K...'s touch was not communicable, though he might have taught his pupil something about technique. Have you ever come across one of K...'s crows ? You could tell it anywhere. He could put all the wicked thoughts that ever came into the mind of a crow — and a crow is first cousin to the Devil — on a piece of paper six inches square, with a brush of Indian ink and two turns of his wrist. Look at the sword-guard I spoke of. How is that for feeling ?' On a circular piece of iron four inches in diameter and pierced by the pole for the tang of the blade, poor K..., who died last Friday, had sketched the figure of a coolie trying to fold up a cloth which was bellying to a merry breeze — not a cold wind, but a sportive summer gust. The coolie was enjoying the performance, and so was the cloth. It would all be folded up in another minute and the coolie would go on his way with a grin. This thing had K... conceived, and the faithful workman executed, with the lightest touches of the graver, to the end that it might lie in a collector's cabinet in London. 'Wah ! wah !' I said, and returned it reverently. 'It would kill a man who could do that to live after his touch had gone. Well for him he died — but I wish I had seen him.' Is it a reasonable guess that the mysterious K.... is none other than Kano Natsuo? [The book being published in 1900, and taking time to write and get printed - the death of Kano Natsuo in 1898 would certainly fit the timing.]
