CurtisR Posted September 26, 2011 Report Posted September 26, 2011 I recently bought this Wakizashi Tsuba and am wondering if anyone would have an idea as to age or possible maker? The tsuba measures 6cm x 5.3cm and approx. 3cm thickness. Not a spectacular example of course, but seems to have a nice construction and simple, clean design. Regards, Curt R. Quote
Henry Wilson Posted September 26, 2011 Report Posted September 26, 2011 Possibly Aizu Shoami, Late Edo would be my guess. Quote
CurtisR Posted September 27, 2011 Author Report Posted September 27, 2011 Thank you for your opinion.thoughts Henry...I plan on attending the sword show in Tampa in Feb. and am wondering if it might be worth sending to Shinsa? I know it's in pretty rough shape, but after a little research it does seem to fit (possibly) Ko-Shoami? I also don't wish to send anything that will be a waste of time :D , so any thoughts would be helpful. The initial expense was quite reasonable, BTW. Thanks in advance to all ~ Curt R. Quote
Grey Doffin Posted September 28, 2011 Report Posted September 28, 2011 Hi Curt, I wouldn't put this tsuba to shinsa. Save your money for something better to study. Of course, others might disagree. Grey Quote
Henry Wilson Posted September 28, 2011 Report Posted September 28, 2011 I am with Grey. Books, a sword show or two would be a better use of cash. Find out what you like, then buy with care and consideration. Quote
CurtisR Posted September 28, 2011 Author Report Posted September 28, 2011 Thank you all for the great information...I just bought my tickets to the the sword show in Tampa next Feb., & am very much looking forward to absorbing the knowledge and becoming more refined in my collecting. Domo Arigato! Curt R. Aurora, CO Quote
Soshin Posted September 29, 2011 Report Posted September 29, 2011 Hi Curt R., I would hold off with the NTHK shinsa. I am planning to attend the Tampa show as well. Its a good place and would recommend it as you will get a chance to see many different nihonto and tosogu. Last year I looked at many fine tsuba and tosogu sets and just a few high end nihonto. Your tsuba I would agree with Herny and say Aizu Shoami circa late Edo Period. The craftsmanship in terms of plate iron, patina, and inlay work reminds me of this tsuba I have in my collection. My tsuba is in a little bit better condition and is intended to be mounted on a katana. Yours truly, David Stiles Quote
CurtisR Posted September 29, 2011 Author Report Posted September 29, 2011 Thanks David - I'm really looking forward to the show in Tampa...the Denver area is not a mecca of sword enthusiasts, although there are a few. It will be very interesting to say the least! Your Tsuba is beautiful - the patina and 'roughness' of the work combined with the obvious skill in the design gives it a 'strength', for lack of a better term. Both artful and functional. as I study, I'm beginning to see the differences, and really do appreciate everyone's help and advice to become better. I've also bought a couple of books . Sincere Regards, Curt R. Quote
Soshin Posted September 29, 2011 Report Posted September 29, 2011 Hi Curt R., Thanks for the kind words about my tsuba. The motif is Buddhist Immovable Wisdom King known as Fudo-Myo-O (不動明王) in Japanese. It looks like he is stepping out of the flames of a homa (Jpn. Goma (護摩)) fire during a Buddhist esoteric ritual. Here is a link more about homa ritual if anyone is interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homa_(ritual). There is more then enough to see at the Tampa show at the very low cost of admission. I would love to get together meet people from the NMB at the show. I was able to meet a few people at the show last year. :D Yours truly, David Stiles Quote
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