Thoughts on school

[cdrcm12]

I've had this tsuba a number of years, it came off a tanto but didn't look right on the blade, too small. Looking at it in more detail now I was trying to determine the school and Kamakura-bori came to mind but I would appreciate members help and opinions please? I think the hitsu-ana may have been added at a later date.

 

It seems to have what could be a layer of lacquer? on the surface.

 

Details:

Mokko-gata
Uchikaeshi mimi
H: 57mm
W: 47mm
Mimi: 3.65mm
Seppa dai: 3.35mm
Nakago-ana: 27mm x 7.5mm

 

 

Many thanks.

[ROKUJURO]

In my opinion, not old and not KAMAKURA-BORI. Low grade craftsmanship, good size for TANTO KOSHIRAE.

[cdrcm12]

Thanks Jean, maybe my rose tinted glasses are a wee bit too strong!!!

[Spartancrest]

I think it may belong to this group- what I have always thought of as low grade Shoami [I could be wide of the mark] they usually have some ten-zogan and very simple designs, yours looks even simpler and just punch marks rather than ten-zogan.

An ebay signed example https://www.ebay.com/itm/334182104384

[cdrcm12]

Hi Dale,

 

Thanks for the response, you've hit the nail on the head!

 

There are a couple of pieces of ten-zogan on the tsuba. One at 9 o'clock in the first image and another at 10 in the second. Wasn't sure about these at first but now makes sense.

 

Thanks again.

[Spartancrest]

Colin, you are right - but the dot inlay is difficult to see [that's my excuse anyway ] I wonder if there was more inlay that has fallen out over time? It is pretty common on older pieces. By the way two of the examples I sent are mine - they may be 'low grade' but I think they are honest and I rather like them.

[cdrcm12]

Agree Dale, there's something rustic about them.

Thanks again for your help.