Tsurugi Posted February 7, 2019 Report Posted February 7, 2019 Greetings everyone, First time poster here. I've acquired an Edo Period –apparently 17th century – Iron tsuba. Its dimensions are 7.76 / 7.45 cm From what I have gathered by personal research: -the motif of the tsuba are two sea cucumbers, which is a simple motif that has been favored by Miyamoto Musashi (1584 – 1645). -it can be seen that sword blades have actually been changed/mounted more than one time on the tsuba. It likely went through more than one owner. Whether or not the tsuba served in battle is difficult to prove, but since the tsuba was apparently made during the 17th century, it is possible that is has seen the last few years of feudal war before peace. Tsuba made during the Edo period tend to be rather refined pieces of art, while this tsuba is rather practical and down to earth; which tends towards the initial owner being a warrior. Now, -as I am really new to this - any additional input would be very welcomed : ) よろしくおねがいします. Tsurugi Quote
christianmalterre Posted February 7, 2019 Report Posted February 7, 2019 Hello Tsurugi, do have a heartly welcome here.... unfortunately your´s pictures are not crisp enough.... also, you should try to show both sides... best way is to take it outside and shoot pictures under direct sunlight.....not using a flash. eitherway.... your´s Tsuba looks good to me and i am pretty shure it is not a modern replica.... Christian Quote
Steves87 Posted February 7, 2019 Report Posted February 7, 2019 Welcome Tsurugi, The Musashi style is one I have always been fond of. I am still looking for the one that calls me to add to my collection. Congratulations on finding yours! The pictures are a little unclear but it seems there may have been some inlay at some stage Quote
Greg F Posted February 8, 2019 Report Posted February 8, 2019 Welcome tsurugi, this musashi like tsuba is a sea cucumber style. A style I also like. Greg Quote
Tsurugi Posted February 8, 2019 Author Report Posted February 8, 2019 Thank you guys for your warm welcome and feedbacks! Christianさん, I will follow your advice and take some news pictures under direct sunlight Quote
Tsurugi Posted February 12, 2019 Author Report Posted February 12, 2019 Hello everyone, Finally the sun has decided to show up, and I could take some pics with good natural lighting. Also, I learned that the tsuba comes from the Shoami school (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoami). Any additional comments would be welcomed Cheers,Tsurugi Quote
dominnimod Posted February 17, 2019 Report Posted February 17, 2019 Imo those huge ears scream higo school not shoami. And the patina looks quite damaged and strange, maybe fire damage? No idea about this tho Quote
Marius Posted February 17, 2019 Report Posted February 17, 2019 @Jose Patina looks fine. What you find odd seem to be remnants of black lacquer or some other coating. Also, seppa dai in Higo tsuba have a totally different shape. Quote
TETSUGENDO Posted February 17, 2019 Report Posted February 17, 2019 This is definitely a genuine antique tsuba, and a nice example, but it lacks the details and refinement of documented 17th century examples. Later 18th century on would be a more likely date. -S- 1 Quote
Marius Posted February 17, 2019 Report Posted February 17, 2019 @Steven What details and refinement do you mean? And in resepct of which 17th c. tsuba schools? Quote
TETSUGENDO Posted February 17, 2019 Report Posted February 17, 2019 Marius, Tsurugi assumed that it was 17th century Musashi, my opinion is that it is not. Details/refinements would be the forming of the seppadai and its intersection with the rim and the forming of the rim, as I said examine the documented exemplars. -S- 1 Quote
Pete Klein Posted February 17, 2019 Report Posted February 17, 2019 https://www.nihonto.com/miyamoto-musashi%e3%80%80/ 2 Quote
TETSUGENDO Posted February 17, 2019 Report Posted February 17, 2019 Thanks Pete, right on point! -S- Quote
Marius Posted February 17, 2019 Report Posted February 17, 2019 Steven, Understood. Spot on, I could not agree more. 1 Quote
Tsurugi Posted February 18, 2019 Author Report Posted February 18, 2019 Everyone, first thank you very much for all your comments and feedbacks! I have read the document, but still am confused about which way you guys agreed… If I understand correctly, there's a general consensus that the tsuba, although being authentic, lacks the details and refinements usually found on 17th century tsuba, and is therefore more likely to be from the 18th century. Did I get that correctly? Quote
Marius Posted February 18, 2019 Report Posted February 18, 2019 That's what Steven said. However, he refered to the famous Musashi tsuba, which your tsuba is not (neither is it a Higo tsuba). The maker (and age) of your tsuba can be determined by shinsa. Having said that, I think that you might accept the view that this is an Edo period tsuba, most likely 18th c. And I will add that the iron looks good Quote
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