Japanese hilt (tsuka)

[Douglas Sumler]

Hello, 

 I am hoping to get some insight, historical context and feedback on an antique Japanese hilt that I have. 

 The handle features detailed designs on the (kizami-tsuka) style outer wrap made of genuine stingray skin (samegawa), covered in black lacquer that has began to flake. It has an angular shoulder slant and a carved (mekugi-ana/peg-hole) framed by an intricate, geometric, circular flower patern (kamon) enclosed in a double ring of raised dots.

 

DETAILS:

Length/ 11 inches

Width at Shoulder/ 1.75 inches

Width at the End/ Just under 1.5 inches

Weight/ 15.75 oz

 

 I have attached clear photos of the overall piece, close-ups of the carved crest, the flaking lacquer, and a direct shot looking down into the openings. 

 

 I would appreciate any thoughts on the specific lineage or clan associated with this (kamon), its likely historical era, its overall value to a collector or restorer.

 

       Thank you very much for your time and expertise.

 

        Doug S.

Edited Tuesday at 01:40 AM by Douglas Sumler

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Douglas, difficult to say what this is but it doesn't have the quality you would expect from a Japanese made item. 

[Brian]

Can we get a few overall shots of the entire item, not so close up please?

[ROKUJURO]

Thank you, deleted

[nihonto_1]

Hi Doug. 

 

Just from the overall shape and general style of aesthetic, it seems more south East Asian, like thai or Cambodia.

 

I am not familiar with their blades, but the general feel of the piece seems more inline with what I would see in art from those origins.

 

 

Will

[robinalexander]

Full shot of the Tsuka from Doug.

[Brian]

Definitely not Japanese. For some reason Ethiopian or Northern Africa comes to mind.

[Spartancrest]

     

1 hour ago, Brian said:

Ethiopian or Northern Africa comes to mind.

The design is very similar to these thin African figures - if you chop the heads off they look even more closely related - these figures are 35 cm high. [approx 14 inches]

Edited 17 hours ago by Spartancrest
typo

[nihonto_1]

@Spartancrest @Brian

 

Oh yeah.......that is similar