Abstract symbolism or limited craftsmanship?

[Hector]

Another Yuletide tsuba I'm mulling over.

 

it's .....well, square. In every sense of the word.

I'd like to know whether you think this is as it is because the craftsman just couldn't handle cutting out curves or that it represents some abstract design - whether simple geometric shapes or perhaps a hidden martial philosophy (like the Yagyu school with its triangle)?

 

Best,

Hector

[Dan tsuba]

Hi Hector,

 

If you download this file (written by a member of this great forum) it may assist you.

You have to be signed on to the forum to view it.

 

 

 

[Hector]

Thank you Dan!

 

I could certainly see a familiar style in this example.

[Kurikata]

Similar tsuba in this thread with explanations:

 

[FlorianB]

Hello,

You allude also how to recognize good or poor workmanship. You are obviously not sure on your piece in question.

 

There are a lot of examples discussed in this forum which show clearly a low level workmanship in comparison with more elaborate works - mostly depicting scenes.

It is much more difficult to judge on Tsuba with simple design. And here’s only one picture.

 

However, what I can see here is a well made shape: the kaku-maru-gata has regular curved corners and slight curvature at all sides. In my eyes a good impression. 
The surface seems to be very plain, without any intended irregularities. But that’s typical for Edo-Tsuba.

I made a quick sketch to show the construction. Even it is a simple composition it is properly made at least. 

 

 

There’s a contrast in between the straight bars (which meaning is still unclear) and the curves at the edge.

I remember a similar example somewhere in my books in which the bars have been filled with shakudo (if I remember correctly). Maybe I will find it.

 

Is there a difference in thickness between edge and seppa-dai? Dimensions will be helpful, too.

 

Best

[FlorianB]

Found this in an German catalogue from 2000:

 

 

A smaller octagonal (thus simpler) specimen with silver fukurin and the bars filled with enamel. No motif mentioned.
The Tosho-attribution  („enamels added later by Hirata-school“) can be doubted. It is signed „Shigekatsu“ (on the backside?), but without the kanji it's difficult to assign.

 

[Tim Evans]

It might be this ka-mon.