Tsuba School Identification

[menpo]

Hi gents!

I recently picked up this tsuba and have been identify what school it belongs to. The theme I think would be termed as bracken? The iron appears to be extremely good after I cleaned it up a bit and almost has a wet look! I found a very similar example in one of my old books but I can't translate the description. I was wondering what all your thoughts on it are and any help would be most appreciated!

 

Gethin

[Pete Klein]

Hi -- I would think it to be a Sado piece due to the heavy rounded form on the metal. Here is an example and explanation of Sado and although a different motif you can see some of the similarities: http://www.shibuiswords.com/haynesTsu15.htm

[Curran]

I too thought Sado,

at first glance.

[menpo]

Thanks both!

                    I havent seen many examples of sado island work but i quite like this one! does anyone else own any sado work?

 

Gethin

[Curran]

Well, remember that we could be wrong.

 

Sado Island has a very interesting history.

I don't know how the tsuba evolved, but they have a very distinct feel to them.

Masculine, often a bit 'heavy' or thick of appearance. Usually a refined iron with dark patina. Simpler yet strong designs.

Easy to imagine the needs of the island's maritime and mining influence on those who made them.

 

I haven't handled many. Yet the NBTHK is very consistent in labeling certain tsuba as 'Sado'.

My personal opinion is strongly that it is Sado.

[John A Stuart]

The one pictured in the book is 山銅 FYI. John

[Pete Klein]

Just in case you missed it you were just given a 'Pop Quiz'! LOL

[MauroP]

Some characters of Sado (佐渡) schoool can be found also in some Satsuma tsuba (see  http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/collection/7/10237/10363).
Images of Sado tsuba are difficult to find. Here a papered one from a Japanese auction some time ago:

Bye, Mauro

[MauroP]

.... and Ōno (大野) could well be another candidate:

(from http://www.shoubudou.co.jp/tuba-777.html)

Mauro

[Michael 101]

I tend to agree with the Sado island call for this one. They are usually very beefy examples with beautiful iron quality. Quite often mistaken for Akasaka due to the thickness. Looks a very nice example.

 

Kindest regards

Michael

[menpo]

Hi gents!

Thanks for all your replys! so the general opinion is that it may be Sado work! i need to study this school more as another tsuba i have could possibly be from the same school! the iron quality is similar only a lot smoother! Does anyone know of any books relating to sado island tsuba?

 

Thanks again

 

Gethin