Mei on ura side

[Michel D]

Hello everybody!

 

Tsuba with mei on the ura side are not rare (common on Kinai pieces). Does anyone know the reason why?

 

Thank you very much in advance for your anwers.

[Jacques]

Hi Michel,

 

No, i don't know why, but my old eyes are open to read your explanations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tu pourrais mettre ça sur notre forum aussi :D

[docliss]

Dear Michel

 

You are quite correct in your assertion that most tsuba bear the mei on the omote side. But I am sure this was purely a convention and that, like most conventions, it could be varied at the artist’s whim.

 

Regards, John L.

[Bungo]

here's an example of mei signed on ura.........

 

I think this is Myochin works.

Signed Kaneshige on the ura, plenty of bones all over.

milt the ronin

[Ford Hallam]

I can't offer any definite answer either but It may merely be a matter of the maker expressing a certain degree of humility. Personally, I signed most of my earlier ( learning ) tsuba on the ura as I felt uncomfortable in putting my name "out front".

 

There are also many very fine pieces in existance that have no inscription and yet are generally regarded to be the work of various masters. The reason generally given is that these items were made as direct commissions from Daimyo ( or other high ranking persons) and that for the artist to put his name on it would be considered a bit presumptious.

 

but in general I think the notion of the humble, self effacing craftsman/ artist is a romantic illusion.

 

Japanese artist ( or groups of artists ) are also fond of adopting specific traits that help to destinguish them from the rest of the competition too. Hizen blades for instance are generally signed tachi-mei,

[Michel D]

Hi all

 

Thank you all for your answers. Once again, nothing is easy in Japanese Art and the rules are made up of exeptions...I leave the question opened!

[Gunome]

Hello,

 

Tsuba with mei on the ura side are not rare (common on Kinai pieces). Does anyone know the reason why?

 

Based on this web site : http://www.users.on.net/~coxm/9.%20tsuba%20iii.html

 

I notice ura mei on :

ko kinai

Ishikawa : yondai et godai

Takahashi : shodai, nidai, sandai, yondai, rokudai, nanadai.

 

But, some master such as Takahashi Rokudai signed two ways : ura mei and omote mei.

On one tsuba it is wrote : "Late Edo, probably rokudai Takahashi, although ura mei "Echizen no Ju" "Kinai Saku". Could indicate "special order"."

 

For kinai, it seems to be common practice that may depend on the generation ?

when a master signe on both way, special order could be an explanation (?)

 

I am far from having knowledge in the field of tsuba. These are just findings and avenues for reflection

 

Sébastien

[Rich T]

here's an example of mei signed on ura.........

 

I think this is Myochin works.

Signed Kaneshige on the ura, plenty of bones all over.

milt the ronin

 

Looks like Nara work Milt, you checked him out in Haynes ?

 

Rich

[Mike]

Here Kii Myochin tsuba, signed on the ura, though I can't say I know the reason of signing on the ura side :D

 

 

Mike