Help with Tsuba Mei please..

[Barrie B]

Hi all,

Can I please get some help with this Mei on one of my Tsuba.. I am assuming it is a Mei - with seal. I was thinking it was Toshimichi (in some sort of 'grass writing' ) but am not even sure that I am close. Can anyone confirm for me that this is in fact a mei and can anyone read or tell me what the Kanji are please?

Thanks in advance for any assistance provided.

 

Barrie.

[Nobody]

Maybe 乗意 - Jo'i.

[Barrie B]

Thanks for your prompt reply...

Well, well… it certainly does look similar to the work of Jōi, but as we know, there are many Gimei ones out there, as discussed in this thread - viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7078&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=0

After further research, the Mei (not the crude seal) does bear some resemblances to some Jōi Mei in the Kinko Meikan, but now I am convinced it is Gimei... Thanks for your assistance.

Barrie.

[Jean]

Barrie,

 

You should ask yourself if the work is up Jôi's work/standards, then you will know the answer about the mei.

[Barrie B]

Thanks Jean.. you are right, however I was/am not that familiar with Jōi’s work first hand.. I have learnt a lot in the past 24 hours. I certainly thought the work and detail on the omote was good; however, I agree that the Shishiaibori work on the ura is not that refined; especially now that I pay closer attention to it.. It’s still a nice little Tsuba though and (even being Gimei) has helped learn about Jōi. Still more to learn though..! Once again, my thanks to the NMB and the members that have assisted me.

Barrie.

[Jean]

In fact Barrie what I should have stated is that the process is the same with Nihonto. Instead of concentrating on the mei to try to detect if it is gimei or not, one should concentrate on the work and try to see if it marches the mei.

 

Often it is easier on kodogu as usually they are in better conditions than Nihonto.