Help w/ Identification - New to the World of Tsuba

[The25thAshitaka]

Hello all, I discovered Tsuba on my trip to Japan this year and bought 2 Tsuba at a market. I would love to know if they are genuine from Edo or Meiji period. The circular one might have a signature that is faded, but I am unsure. I tried to photograph it. The other in the shape of a bird looks to be the newer of the two. I’d also love some book recommendations on getting started. Thank you in advance!

[MauroP]

Hi Tristan, welcome to the forum.
Both tsuba have seen better days, so it’s difficult to judge. Sorry, I’m unable to sort out the signatures. The first one shows takabori, suemon-zōgan, and possibly remnants of nunome-zōgan. The coexistence of multiple decorative techniques makes me think of Shōami school (or possibly Nara school).
As for the other one, the bird depicted appears to be a pigeon, so the shape is called hato-gata. There are irregular granulations on the rim, which could be either iron bones (a good sign) or casting debris (a bad sign). I’m quite confident the first tsuba is an old piece; I’m less certain about the second one.

[Spartancrest]

          A common Miochin school design, often with an inscription/poem to Hachiman around the nakago-ana [Hachiman is the deity of war or warriors - his "messangers" were doves] Sometimes seen as a sparrow or even a hawk. The small dents at the top of the tang hole [nakago-ana] are called tagane-ato and are a sign that the guard has been fitted to a blade in the past [good sign] The design of the wings is a little unusual but there are others like it.

I agree with Mauro that the first is very likely Shoami the mix of inlays with incised carving is typical. The guard looks like it may have been in a fire, the rough surface I am sure was not intended. I doubt the signature can be read it is too far gone. 

 

Welcome Tristan to NMB - and Merry Christmas 

 

 

Edited December 24, 2025 by Spartancrest

[Brian]

Chidori?

[Spartancrest]

4 hours ago, Brian said:

Chidori?

Yes sometimes described as a Chidori, or any number of other  birds. I wonder if there is any significance to which way the head of the bird points? The "Chidori" and the last bird here would face to the right when mounted, whereas the doves/pigeon etc point to the left in the examples previously shown. 

     

Edited December 24, 2025 by Spartancrest
spelling

[The25thAshitaka]

Thank you everyone for the advice, I’ll definitely buy reference books and learn more before my next purchase!!