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Hi All,
I have a nice Japanese Tsuba but know nothing of these. It seems to be made of bronze with silver (?) ornamentation and (presumably) a signature to the left of the central piercing.

I would appreciate any information that members can give me on my item.

All the best,
Col

The signature reads 'Isshin' (一真). I presume the maker could be Wada Isshin (1814-82); the tsuba being late Edo period.
I noticed that this item was sold recently at a Japanese auction site.

Guy

I'm no expert but have owned over 50 Japanese swords and have handled thousands. This tsuba appears to be a modern Chinese replica to my eye. The main reason I say that is because the cranes placement in the very center makes no sense because if it was assembled on a sword the focal point of the artwork would be totally hidden by the seppas (washer spacers) used when mounted.

Howard Dennis

Hi Guy and Howard,
Thank you both for your information.
Guy, the "name" is interesting but Howard's information is compelling.
All the best,
Col

Howard,

Thanks for your insights. Must say that I'm not very familiar with tsuba. I encountered other tsuba that are almost identical also signed 'Isshin'. Seems that this item was produced recently on a much larger scale (China?), probably for the tricky online market.

Take a look at the link infra.

Guy.


URL Title :Yahoo Auctions Japan

Hi Guy,

Thank you very much for the information.
It does appear that my item is probably a recent production - possibly of a famous old example.

My example is of a higher quality than the one shown, which has obvious solder marks around the insets, so it is possible that their quality control has dropped or more than one manufacturer is making them.

Your information was exactly what I needed to determine whether it was old or new.

All the best,
Col

Col,

I made a little collage of your tsuba, in comparison with the two other items that were recently for sale at the internet.
The one in the middle, only mentioning the name 'Isshin', was offered for JPY100, the tsuba at the right was offered for a staring price of JPY 120.000 and made an explicit reference to Wada Isshin as the maker. IMO, this second sale was clearly intended to deceive a potential buyer.

Regards,
Guy.

Hi Guy,
Interesting information - but worrying to the new buyers.
At least I have a really nice paper weight.
All the best,
Col

Hi Howard,
I take your point as to part of the design being covered but I do note the following early 19th century tsuba by Goto Ichijo Hokkyo and held in the BAUR FOUNDATION, MUSEUM OF FAR EASTERN ART.
All the best,
Col

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