Post Your Favourite Bird Tosogu!

[Steves87]

I have a few, but this is probably one of the better ones

[ZH1980]

Surprised at how few tsuba I have with birds! Here's one:

[Jake6500]

On 9/9/2025 at 4:36 AM, Grevedk said:

Bird (cockerel or maybe a Ho-Ho bird) in full flight. Big and heavy Tsuba with a rather slim Nakago-ana. Beautiful in hand.

 

/ Soeren
 

This one is very nice. I think as you said it is a phoenix...

 

That one is my type of flashy!

[Grevedk]

It’s very flashy and maybe it was made for a prosperous “samurai - dandy” or merchant. The work , colors and “shine” is very hard to capture on a photo is magnificent 

 

 

[Rodenbacher]

Small Tanto Tsuba.

[Rodenbacher]

Late Edo kinko.

[thutson]

Here is the favourite bird-themed tosogu from my collection: a tsuba by Watanaba Issei. It depicts the southward migration of geese in the autumn months and their return to Japan in the eighth lunar month known as “Kanaraigetsu”.  As the geese migrate south from their summer visit to Siberia they inspire thoughts of the coming winter, but also give a strong feeling towards the Japanese spirit. I fully appreciate how especially during times of change and uncertainly that this yearly event brings a sense of unity and national pride.

 

The importance of geese in Japanese art was further secured by stories of several military heroes who had achieved victory in battle when a sudden breaking of ranks by flying geese signaled an ambush. This protective role of the birds led to their frequent use in decorating tosogu.

 

I particularly like the detailed carving of the geese on the omote and the snow on the reeds; you can see them buckle under the weight. On the ura the imprints of the geese's feet in the snow are very charming, as well as the sekigane which is made to look like snowfall, a lovely touch.
 

[cluckdaddy76]

I am going to add a crane to the mix. Nice larger tsuba roughly 8.2cm in diameter. I believe Nick from Nihonto art sold a very similar piece earlier this year from what appears to be the same school. 

[ROKUJURO]

This one is in my family for almost 50 years:
 

[Kunehito]

Edo Mito 無銘(水戸) Willow and waterfowl - NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon
 

(For sale if interested)

[Kunehito]

And three more - Daisho Kyo Sukashi, and Akiyoshi (明義)

late Edo – Mutsu – student of Kōno Haruaki (河野春明)