New tsuba looking for feedback

[autodex]

 

This is a Mito school tsuba. The ji is iron with both taka-bori and inlay of shakudo elements with gold, copper and silver nunome. There are details such as the boar's gold eye and carved hoof as well as the lines in the fan and bark on the tree. There are only a few areas of wear on the highest points of the work. The shakudo is a deep wet black color and the layering of gold, silver and copper leaves is organic and natural feeling. Constellations in the night sky by a calm stream are shown on the reserve.

 

This is unsigned so I thought I would get some feedback from the forum, purchased from Danny Massey NihintoCraft

 

One main question is the tsuba is small, I am wondering if this was ever meant for mounting or which sword (katana, waka, tanto etc) it would most likely be used for....Dimensions: 76 mm x 70 mm Thickness: 3 mm

Thanks

Steven

[Thierry BERNARD]

My guess is Aizu Shoami!

[Jean]

This tsuba is not so small, it is katana size

[autodex]

Thanks for the replies

[Stephen]

Im not the tsuba go to guy,but I do like this.

[Tanto54]

For the subject look up Tanabata on Wikipedia.

[Barrie B]

One main question is the tsuba is small, I am wondering if this was ever meant for mounting or which sword (katana, waka, tanto etc) it would most likely be used for....Dimensions: 76 mm x 70 mm Thickness: 3 mm

 

I would say the presence of sekigani indicates that it was previously mounted and the fact that it only has a Kozuka-ana indicates that it was probably intended for a Wakizashi; I read somewhere that Wakizashi Koshirae should always have a Kozuka, but of course there are always exceptions to the rule. Additionally, as Jean stated, this size Tsuba could be (and were) fitted to a katana. Nice Tsuba BTW..

 

Barrie B.

[John A Stuart]

Size almost surely for katana. Yours has been coddled. They are notorius for showing wear on the high spots. A good example. John

[autodex]

Thanks again all for the info you have been very helpful

[ROKUJURO]

.....There are details such as the boar's gold eye and carved hoof......

Steven,

 

to my old eyes the animal looks more like an ox instead of a boar. Have a close look!

[Stephen]

yes, catch bull at four again.