Stu W Posted October 11, 2010 Report Posted October 11, 2010 Hi guys, As you can tell from my post count I'm pretty new at this so must ask for help. This tsuba came my way recently and I'd like to learn as much as I can about it. It's roughly 80 x 65 x 5-3mm (tapering towards rim) and is not attracted to a magnet. It has a very fine band around it's perimeter. Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Stu Quote
cabowen Posted October 11, 2010 Report Posted October 11, 2010 Looks to be a shakudo plate with a copper (?) fukurin around the circumference. I am sure one of the tsuba mavens will be able to tell you much more.... Quote
Mark Green Posted October 11, 2010 Report Posted October 11, 2010 I think Chris has it right on. It looks to be a plain shakudo plate with a copper applied rim. Likely edo. Very dented up, and the rim looks a bit wrecked, but a nice little tsuba. Mark G Quote
Stu W Posted October 11, 2010 Author Report Posted October 11, 2010 Hi guys, Thank you both for the prompt replies. I've had a look inside the nakago-ana (hole in centre of tsuba hopefully) with the aid of a 10X magnifier and can see a distinct copper tone in some of the scratches so shakudo seems right. I searched that term (shakudo) on the Net and found that it's a mix of metals in varying proportions but predominantly copper with a bit of gold thrown in. I'm not quite sure though if the near black colour is patina or a deliberately applied finish. Can anyone clarify that point for me? Last, but not least, can anyone suggest appropriate conservation measures? Regards, Stu Quote
cabowen Posted October 11, 2010 Report Posted October 11, 2010 Yes, shakudo is an alloy of mostly copper with a slight amount of gold and maybe some other trace impurities. The black color is a patina that indicated the quality of the shakudo. The darker black-purple, the better. I have heard it is a self-healing patina, meaning if you leave it alone, it should repatinate on its own, though it may take a long time. I would simply clean it very carefully with warm soapy water, dry with a soft cotton cloth, and let nature take its course..... Quote
Stu W Posted October 14, 2010 Author Report Posted October 14, 2010 I am a believer in "less is best" when it comes to cleaning so will follow your advice and then let nature take it's course. Thank you. Regards, Stu Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.