Tsuba advice & Info

[kissakai]

Hi

I've just bought this from Mariusz and asked him if he knew what the symbols were

Unfortunatly he didn't

Anybody have any ideas?

Obviously put there for a reason so I'd like to know a bit more

 

 

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I put this on the NMB about a week ago and was successfuly given a translation of the poorly cut mei - thanks

Now I have it in hand I've tried to view it objectively

Good even patina

Good surface finish

Nice and even bars

Aesetically pleasing (to me)

 

I'd welcome your opinions as most of my tsuba are generally low quality (invert cheap)

Also what can I call the design so I can add this to my description

 

 

 

Grev UK

[dirk marshall]

I seen the second tsuba, liked it as it reminded me of the well cover tsubas that i like, but noticed it carried the disclaimer CONTEMPORARY IRON TSUBA

[kissakai]

To replyee (no name)

 

This is this dealers standard format and usually never commits to a solid description

You view and take your chance

 

 

Grev UK

[cabowen]

The designs at the top of the first tsuba might be Mr. and Mrs. Pac Man.... :lol:

 

The bottom tsuba design seems to be similar to shoji, sliding lattice window covers....

[kissakai]

Hi Chris

Thanks - made me smile

Looking at the 1st tsuba upper shape it's obviously ghosts - don't why I didn't see it in the first place doh

 

 

Grev UK

[Toryu2020]

I would try a search for the following;

 

The Five True Forms of the Five Sacred Mountains

 

http://www.yijing.nl/i_ching/books/tai-shan.htm

 

-t

[kissakai]

Hi

Thanks I can use one of the more exact examples for the grill tsuba

 

I've checked the link and saved a copy of the image but it is so low quality that I can't see it very well

Then checked the internet but most links are to books and none of the other links have images

Interesting it basically is north, south, east, west & centre which will have many levels of meaning

A good subject for a tsuba of this age

 

Can anyone help me further?

 

 

Grev UK

[Toryu2020]

Grev -

If you can see the five large "characters" in the image of the rubbing you are seeing it all. Basically they are representatives of the ancient form of the characters for North. South, East West that have been stylized to the point they look more like creatures. Since these characters represent the seat of the emperor this would have been a popular theme among those who studied Chinese classics or who espoused the cause of the Imperial house.

-t

[kaigunair]

Grev -

If you can see the five large "characters" in the image of the rubbing you are seeing it all. Basically they are representatives of the ancient form of the characters for North. South, East West that have been stylized to the point they look more like creatures. Since these characters represent the seat of the emperor this would have been a popular theme among those who studied Chinese classics or who espoused the cause of the Imperial house.

-t

 

Wow, great info Tom!

[kissakai]

Thanks for all your help

With a recognised theme it makes the second tsuba much more interesting

 

Tsuba 1

Does anyone think this has some age to it?

 

 

Grev

[Brian]

Nice one Tom. Great info!

I think that first one was a good deal.

 

Brian

[kissakai]

Thanks for all your help

With a recognised theme it makes the second tsuba much more interesting

Tsuba 1

Does anyone think this has some age to it?

 

Ooops

I mixed up my tsuba - should have been:

 

With a recognised theme it makes the first tsuba much more interesting

Tsuba 2

Does anyone think this has some age to it?

 

 

Grev UK

[kissakai]

Update ref

Now I have it in hand I've tried to view it objectively

Good even patina

Good surface finish

Nice and even bars

Ascetically pleasing (to me)

 

I showed a well known dealer images of this tsuba

He stated that is was a good tsuba probably around 1850 and offered me 3 times what I paid on Ebay just from the images

As a dealer I would think the mark up to be around 50%

I didn't sell as I may mount this on one of my katana

 

 

Grev UK