Tsuba collection research

[edzo]

Greetings to all members,

I am posting images, opinions and questions regarding a collection that I am researching. I am hoping that any dialogue or communication including your opinions, guidance or advice will serve as a learning experience for the members and visitors to the forum as well as myself. In some cases I will post images of pieces and descriptions for your enjoyment. The owners of the collection (heirs), wish to sell the collection at a future date, yet to be determined which will be accessible on the web if you should have any interest. The estate administrator advised me that the collection was assembled from the late 40s until his (the collector-owner’s), death around 1993-4. Everything has been in storage ever since. I also wanted everyone to know that I am not being compensated for this effort other than the benefit I hope to receive from the learning experience. I feel that having the collection in hand to study was a great opportunity for me. I would like to thank everyone in advance that participates and beg for your patience. I would also like to extend my thanks to those responsible for their efforts maintaining the site.

The images were made by means of an Epson V500 flat bed scanner, unless otherwise noted. No color correction was utilized however; brightness was adjusted to best capture the actual color and patina, with the item in hand. For reference and discussion purposes I have assigned an image number to the items, Q1,2,3 etc.

 

Ed F

Learning is; remembering to remember

[Gunome]

Hello,

 

Based on the dark patina, plants patern with gold I think first one is choshu or maybe a bushu tsuba from Edo period.

Regarding the second one, I don't know.

[Soshin]

Hi Ed F.,

 

Tsuba Q95 I think is likely a work of the Ito school of Bushu (i.e. Edo). From the looks of the tsuba I would say likely late Edo Period. But Looking up the tsubako name Masatsune in Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Assoicated Artists would be the next logical next step to find out the production period for Masatsune of (Bushu) Ito school.

As for the other tsuba (Q91) I don't know much about it but I also don't think it is very old. I would say it is also very likely Edo Period. This tsuba I think is not made out of Yamagane unrefined copper but Suaka refined copper with a patina applied. If it must be classified I would just say that it belongs to the large group known as Kinko. I hope you find the information I have offered helpful in your research. Just my two cents.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles

[edzo]

Dear Mr. David Stiles,

Thank You very much for your input. I ended up with a probable of Masatsune- "Jingoro of Ito" (school), Bushu. This primarily because of the style of the two characters in his signature. I was unable to find a papered signature for him to confirm the details of it nor much information about him. In any event, I am going to explore the book you recommend and squeeze it into my budget hopefully. Have you encountered the name Jingoro of Ito, signing "Masatsune"?, I sorted thru a few to arrive at this smith.

 

Respectfully, and thank you again for sharing your knowledge with me and participating.

Ed F