Signed Tsuba

[adtharp]

Hi all,

 

I was hoping to get a little information on this tsuba. It came on a sword that just went through shinsa in Chicago. I did not submit the tsuba, I do not think it is anything amazing, but it is signed and I was curious. It feels like it is probably made of iron?

 

Let me know if anyone has any ideas.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

-Drew

[Ray Singer]

Signed Masahisa. I have seen a few Masahisa in this motif which appeared to be cast.

[Spartancrest]

5 hours ago, adtharp said:

I did not submit the tsuba, I do not think it is anything amazing,

No, sorry it is not amazing and definitely cast, I have seen a few hundred of these, the signatures are gimei. The sword owner at some point probably switched it from the original. 

 

If you are interested there are two 'types' one like yours [and above] with the irregular hitsu-ana shapes and the other with 'niku' outlines on the hitsu, these latter ones can also have fake [cast in] tagane-ato.  I think the 'regular' hitsu ones are signed MITSUNAGA SAKU? but also gimei.

 https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/65537469-katana-tanto-tsuba-wakizashi-1-forged-iron-cloud-tsuba-c2-478-mitsunaga-saku-finely-carved-Japan-edo-period-1600-1868

 

Old thread here 2012  - 

 

[adtharp]

Thanks all. That is what I figured. It is actually fairly small for the sword, making me think it was meant for a Wakizashi.

 

No need to be sorry, I did not buy this one for the tsuba, and the blade papered, so I am quite happy. I just didn’t know anything about the tsuba. It didn’t really match the other fittings, so I bet you are correct that the old one was replaced.

 

Thanks again!

 

-Drew