Hikone-Bori Tsuba Signed Goshu Hikone-Ju Soheishi Nyudo Soten-Sei

[Hot Fuzz]

I noticed this hikone-bori tsuba on ebay, and it looks to be a nice piece. I am new to collecting, and have heard that many imitations of this style were produced during the late Edo period. I was hoping to learn whether this article and its mei look to be genuine to more experienced eyes than mine.

[John A Stuart]

No, I would avoid this piece. John

[JH Lee]

If it's not too much trouble, could you please elaborate on what you see, John?  

[John A Stuart]

It is an active auction and we are to be a little circumspect. If it was shoshin (true) it would start at many times that price. Soten pieces are notoriously copied. Some are even pretty good copies. When you look at genuine pieces you will see quite ably the qualities you would be looking for. John

[docliss]

I agree completely with John Stuart.  The workmanship is very crude, and lacks completely the delicacy of better Hikone-bori work.  This deficiency is particularly noticeable in the lack of detail in the faces of the depicted figures.

 

John L.

[Hot Fuzz]

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I figured it looked a little off, particularly the mei.