A Kaneie tsuba ...

[docliss]

I am delighted by the response to my recent "Kaneie" posting, but fear that I can add little information about the tsuba. It was acquired by its previous owner in 1936, but I have no information from whence it came. It had suffered some fire damage, from which it only just beginning to recover, and this makes it difficult to date, but I favour a period somewhat earlier than Curran's "late Edo". I am supported in this by the dark colouration of the copper sekigane, which have failed to brighten in spite of my ministrations. I also favour a Kaneie appellation rather Ford's Yasuchika one.

 

I am particularly interested in the fact that it has remained mumei; had it a gimei signature it would merely have been one of those many Kaneie forgeries. I think that Curran's suggestion of Aizu Shoami is probably correct, but many verified Kaneie tsuba also appear to have equally wide ryo-hitsu.

 

With thanks, and kind regards, John L.