tzuka = Kashirae originality

[oldcodger]

Morning all, I have now found an attractive Tanto for sale in Japan, with a dealer experienced with UK challenges. i have put some questions to the dealer, one of which was 'Is the Tzuka/kashirae original to the blade ?' the answer I have is ' not original, but matched to the sword ' the item under consideration is ,mid1800's.

Noticing some Nihonto with full kashirae had two or more hole  for the Mekugi. I interpret this to mean fittings have been worn out or lost, and therefore replaced through time.  what I do not see in the descritiptons of swords is any comment on the originality of the fittings.

Does this mean that replacing fittings is an acceptable practice ? How does it affect pricing ? what proportion  of tanto's do have original fittings?

 

Any thoughts you would like to share ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mikaveli]

Finding a Japanese sword with original fittings is quite rare.

 

Most swords (especially any worn and not just kept as treasures) would have their fittings replaced with regularity. Wear and tear, fashion etc.

 

Many of the swords you'll see for sale with koshirae will either be new or late Edo. Older fittings will often have their own certificates.

[When Necessary]

The dealer stating "not original, but matched to the sword" suggests to me that the fittings are antique, Edo period pieces but probably assembled by a modern craftsman at the dealer's request.

[Brian]

Fittings/koshirae were like clothes. They were routinely changed. When worn out, or when fashions or tastes changed. It is not deemed critical when the fittings have been replaced, as long as they antique and the quality is judged on their own merits. It's safe to say few very old swords have their original fittings.

[Matsunoki]

In addition to the above…..ask the seller if the koshirae actually fits the blade properly. Make sure it’s not a “near enough is good enough” job. If it has been fitted  correctly then fair enough. 

[oldcodger]

thanks to all of you. Your comments are re assuring. I was planning to query the alignment of the mekugi hole in the tsuka, with the hole in the tang. Its a little confusing, because the description relates to brass menuki, partially coverted by the wrapping, but, the tsuka appears to be held on by a wooden peg nearer to the hilt. One hole in the tang su8ggests the wooden peg does the work.. In summary, v nice kashirae and saya, but with recent hole in the tsuka to match it  to the tang hole. A bit Heath Robinson ?

The question I was planning to ask aligns with the suggestion from Matsunoki, so I will combine both points  in my next email to Japan.

 

[eternal_newbie]

19 minutes ago, oldcodger said:

Its a little confusing, because the description relates to brass menuki, partially coverted by the wrapping, but, the tsuka appears to be held on by a wooden peg nearer to the hilt. One hole in the tang su8ggests the wooden peg does the work.

Note the difference between mekugi, the wooden pin/dowel (usually smoked bamboo) that holds the blade in place, and menuki, the metal ornaments on the tsuka (brass in this case but often copper, shakudo or even gold). The mekugi is always what holds the sword and tsuka together; the menuki are typically for adornment only, except in rare cases.

[Brian]

Swords are held in place entirely by the wooden (bamboo) mekugi peg. The hole is usually slightly angled and the alignment slightly off so that it pulls everything together tightly when inserted. The menuki are purely decorative.

[Lewis B]

33 minutes ago, Brian said:

The menuki are purely decorative.

Are you sure? In hand it feels like the menuki bulges give one a little more purchase on the tsuka and offer more control when the sword is wielded. Plus they give the hands reference points when held 2 handed. But the menuki bulges do look a lot more pleasing to the eye.

[Shugyosha]

I’ve had a tanto with koshirae where the mekugi was made of metal in two parts with a head on each side forming the menuki. 
 

My understanding also was that the menuki had a function in terms of padding out the tsuka in longer swords to aid with grip and they are normally offset for that reason. Also that what was purely functional became more decorative over time. 

Edited 7 hours ago by Shugyosha

[Rawa]

10 minutes ago, Shugyosha said:

I’ve had a tanto with koshirae where the mekugi was made of metal in two parts with a head on each side forming the menuki. 
 

My understanding also was that the menuki had a function in terms of padding out the tsuka in longer swords to aid with grip and they are normally offset for that reason. Also that what was purely functional became more decorative over time. 

You are right and some blades are one handed.

[Mikaveli]

6 hours ago, Lewis B said:

Are you sure? In hand it feels like the menuki bulges give one a little more purchase on the tsuka and offer more control when the sword is wielded. Plus they give the hands reference points when held 2 handed. But the menuki bulges do look a lot more pleasing to the eye.

I've always thought this. The offset nature is very ergonomic - more than just aesthetics methinks.

 

Especially on the older koshirae I have, the mekugi are quite proud and definitely aid a good grip.

[Mikaveli]

5 hours ago, Shugyosha said:

I’ve had a tanto with koshirae where the mekugi was made of metal in two parts with a head on each side forming the menuki. 

 

Some Tachi are like that too.

 

I also saw some examples of menuki that used to have a pin attached, but were later removed, to be used as the now-typical style (decorative under the tsukamaki).