YUKINORI but which one?

[Kurikata]

Dear all,

 

I have in my collection a Tsuba signed Yuki Nori but signature does not correspond to any Haynes listed artist. Tsuba is really late Edo (meiji ?) and no artist signing with those Kanji is registered? Can some one help me?

 

Thank you

[Pete Klein]

Hi -- A picture would be helpful.

[Kurikata]

With Pictures....

[Pete Klein]

I believe it is Haynes 12452, page 2387. Here is a scan from Shinsen Kinko Meikan:

 

 

Looks close to me.

[cabowen]

text says he was from Musashi, lived in Edo, worked in the Nara school style, and worked at the end of the Edo period. He is rated ryoko 良工.

[Kurikata]

I believe it is Haynes 12452, page 2387

 

Pete, Haynes states that YUKINORI 12452 died circa 1700 / 1750. My Tsuba looks much more about 1850. The signature from shinsen Kinko Meikan looks effectively more similar and correspond to Chris translation

[cabowen]

Interesting location for the mei and what we might infer from it...

[Kurikata]

Chris,

 

sorry for being so ignorant but can you precise your views? I have heard that Tsuba with signature at this place where Kenjo Tsuba ? Is it true ?

 

Thank you in advance for your knowledge on this topic.

[cabowen]

I am not the one to offer much of value as far as tsuba are concerned but it would seem to me that a non-traditional signature placement such as this one may mean the tsuba was not meant to be used or thought by the maker that it would not be used. It also might point to the mindset of the craftsman- perhaps he perceived himself as an artist, rather than a craftsman and was making a statement that this is a work of art, not craft. Perhaps he had a rather large ego and/or was quite proud of his work and wanted his name "out in front" so to speak. As I said, I find it rather unique.

[Soshin]

I have heard that Tsuba with signature at this place where Kenjo Tsuba ? Is it true ?

 

Hi Bruno P.,

 

No Kenjo tsuba are generally not sign at all (i.e. mumei). Having a artists name in such a location would be considered egotistical and vain by the artist and not appropriate for something that is given as a presentation gift by or to a Damiyo which is the meaning of the term "Kenjo". There are also historical documents of the Hoan school listing their Kenjo tsuba designs all which were mumei.

[Pete Klein]

The fact that the mei kartouche is on the ura (back) would lessen any 'ego' but that it is there at all seems to point to a later maker, although I will fully admit I am no expert on this placement timing niche. If the piece is 'gimei', why did the maker choose this name? It's not as if he was important enough to be marketable, unlike Somin or some other big name. The mei is 'close' but not a dead ringer so there's a possibility it's just a later, so far unknown maker. Or, it could be genuine to the maker posted. You very well might have to refer to someone in Japan for this one.