The authenticity of the tsuba «Soshishi Nyudo Soten sei»

[Exclus1ve]

I reviewed a lot of photo Shakudo Soten tsuba, but I didn't find a higher quality job in the end. Maybe it's not the work of the Soten himself, but it's very likely that it's the work of the same person as Tsuba from the Nagoya Museum. Above, I reviewed and compared two very similar tsuba in detail, even the font signature is similar. It is very likely that this is the second missing pair from the museum. The quality of the photo allows you to compare all the small elements of the inlay and carving. I don't see a fundamental difference. That's interesting.
https://www.touken-c...ord-guard-photo-100/
And I can not imagine another reason why it was possible to make such a similar tsuba in the same quality at another time by another master. This is not a Faberge egg, which is desired by everyone))

I'm sorry for my English.

What does the bottom character similar to "B" mean?

 

 

[Jack Zacao]

It is a variation of the character 道， in the name 入道宗典， it is a quick way of handwriting. The two signature are the same character by character 

[Rivkin]

Internet shows in 99.9% "regular" Soten school stuff which is not the first generation.
Books do show first generation's shakudo works and most are not what one would imagine them to be if internet and sword shows are the sole guidance.

The school then continued for a considerable time during which it produced more or less the same lineup of items, mostly tsuba, in various quality grades. It was consistently popular, the items were consistently signed as soheishi nyudo soten. They were sold throughout Japan, and very common in certain places.

Shakudo was always a more premier and rare kind, but no, this is not the best shakudo Soten I've seen. Its also one of more typical scenes, the really great work tends to be a bit more imaginative.

But its definitely in the top 25% of shakudo Soten and top 3% of Soten overall.

Nevertheless I personally don't see anything pointing out the first generation. These tsuba were made in significant quantities over very long time. We have no idea who were the great local makers aside from Soten's immedeate circle because they all signed in the same style (i.e. Soten), no dates. Such tsuba maker would be trained by the school from a relatively early age to make tsubas like this - obviously they do tend to look alike as well.

[Exclus1ve]

Thank you all again! Now we know more about the Soten school)

[Ian B3HR2UH]

This Soten  , which is owned by Mishina Kenji , is pictured in the Kokusai Tosogu Kai 8th Exhibition and is described as one Soten's best . I thought it was fantstic and decided to post a copy . Makes you wonder where the others fit into the scheme of things when you see something like this one

[Jake6500]

16 hours ago, Ian B3HR2UH said:

This Soten  , which is owned by Mishina Kenji , is pictured in the Kokusai Tosogu Kai 8th Exhibition and is described as one Soten's best . I thought it was fantstic and decided to post a copy . Makes you wonder where the others fit into the scheme of things when you see something like this one

 

Wow Ian, that is actually astonishing. I never imagined such a finely detailed landscape would even be possible in a Tsuba.

 

Gives me a new-found appreciation for Soten style.

[Exclus1ve]

There is an interesting detail on the second tsube. Do you think this is a mistake or an idea of the artist?)