Interesting Tsuba sold at auction - $1,200

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

I was watching this one, it was at $150, thought "thats in my range!".  Quickly went to $1,200.  Not sure what these two are up to?

Any idea who the smith is?

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/98059387_japanese-mixed-metal-tsuba

 

[ChrisW]

Not going to speak about the veracity of the piece itself as I know little concerning tsuba. BUT that site is full of idiots with too much money to blow. You can get a good deal there SOMETIMES; but at other times due to the lack of information, prepare to be burned now and then.

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

19 minutes ago, ChrisW said:

Not going to speak about the veracity of the piece itself as I know little concerning tsuba. BUT that site is full of idiots with too much money to blow. You can get a good deal there SOMETIMES; but at other times due to the lack of information, prepare to be burned now and then.

Agree!  Seen some junk swords go for significant coin there.

[Ford Hallam]

The subject is of a famous Chinese scholar and strategist called Han Xin, circa 200BC.

 

from wikipedia

"On another occasion, a hooligan saw Han Xin carrying a sword and challenged him to either kill him or crawl between his legs. Han Xin knew that he would become a criminal if he killed him, so instead of responding to the taunts, he crawled between the hooligan's legs and was laughed at."

 

Some versions of the story make the bully a fisherman who was intent on belittling Han Xin and amusing his fishermen mates. Han Xin complies and thereby demonstrates his humility.

 

While the actual tsuba looks like it needs some careful restoration I would suggest the price was fair. I think it's a pretty decent bit of work and if restored well would look pretty grand. The bully's face is particularly well rendered and expressive, and the clothing folds and patterning is very good. A complex composition well executed.

 

The mei appears to read Nobumori, possibly the Tanaka/Sonobe school artist. Student of the 3rd gen. master Nobuyoshi.

 

 

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

Thank you @Ford Hallam!  Awesome to see stories depicted on fittings