Authentification advice

[MaxT]

22 hours ago, Lewis B said:

There are fewer meet-ups in Manching, probably 2 per year and 4 in Solingen. What I have noticed is the turnout is a little better down South, usually 30-35 attendees. For 2026 the Manching meetings will take place on 25/4 and 26/9. You are entitled to attend one meeting as a guest and to see if it interests you. I promise you will not be disappointed. 

 

Finally early bird tickets for the Japan Art Fair in Utrecht in mid June have just gone on sale. This 3 day event is as serious as it gets, growing every year with dealers from all over Europe, Japan and North America. It's the best event to see and purchase Nihonto, Kodogu and Tosogu this side of the Atlantic. 

 

 

Thank you for the tip! I will definitely check out both events

[MaxT]

small update for those interested, I finally received my tsuba and I am absolutely in awe about the craftmanship. The pictures don't do it justice at all. It has easily become my favourite tsuba, so thank you all again for your help!

Also, I just found this very similar example - apparently papered to be mito school? However I like mine a lot more... (and I did not need to pay 550.000 Yen )

[Exclus1ve]

On 2/27/2026 at 2:41 PM, MaxT said:

Also, I just found this very similar example - apparently papered to be mito school?

This is a good, similar example. Could you please tell me where you found the pair? I’d like to take a look at the paper.

[MaxT]

Just now, Exclus1ve said:

This is a good, similar example. Could you please tell me where you found the pair? I’d like to take a look at the paper.

Hi, the second one is mine. The first one is for sale at toushin. 
 

https://shop.nihontou.jp/products/detail/31344

[Jake6500]

On 2/27/2026 at 10:41 PM, MaxT said:

small update for those interested, I finally received my tsuba and I am absolutely in awe about the craftmanship. The pictures don't do it justice at all. It has easily become my favourite tsuba, so thank you all again for your help!

Also, I just found this very similar example - apparently papered to be mito school? However I like mine a lot more... (and I did not need to pay 550.000 Yen )

 

Wonderful to hear that it worked out Max!

 

Not surprised that you were happy with the quality and price point! It can be hard to capture the level of quality with pictures when it comes to tosogu, and even so the tsuba seemed decent for the price you said you paid. Interesting that you've found a similar example, however it isn't that unusual to find certain iconic motifs repeated by artisans of different schools with their own distinct style or spin!