Japanese Sword Guide by Richard Stein

[fernando]

I think i ought to say, Professor Stein, that your Site on Japanese Swords is the most comprehensive and pedagogic source in the matter that we see in the Web, and the most for alluring for laymen.
As said in my previous thread, i accidently bought an abused wakizashi (un) set, and ended up consulting practically all your Site index.
As my looking for knowledge on old weapons does not fade with the condition of the examples ( can't afford finest ones, anyway ), i keep digging all over, trying to find something close to my humble piece/s.
I mean close, as i lack the knowledge to identify a tsuba, for instance, just by technical similarity, if the decoration is not close from mine. Eventually the "Logo" of "Japanese Sword Site" is a rimmed tsuba with a design that basicaly resembles my example. Is this a classic motif, and is there a name for it ? and an age period ?
The blade is my other headache. From what i recently learned, the Hisamichi signature could be Gimei ... all such signatures i see out there are more intrincate, including titles and so. Would this definitely post date my blade ?
The Tsuka was an easy issue. I followed your track and, no doubt, Satsuma rebellion mount ... i immediately spotted a couple, one just like mine. However i am convinced that my Tsuka was made to fit a larger Wakisashi, than this one i found with. The Nakago stays too loose inside it. It could well be that these unmarried pieces are remnants from the Rebellion action.
Would you kindly coment on what you see fit to, namely on your Site "Logo" Tsuba.
So much obliged.
fernando

[Rich]

My "logo" tsuba is a Ko-Katchushi (see the Elegant Iron tsuba page
for the full exampe). The design is taken from the double comma of
the "yin-yang" design (don't know the name in Japanese). It's a pretty
classic design element in lots of oriental work including Japanese, Chinese
and Korean. Without the rim it would just be termed a Katchushi tsuba.
Glad you've found the site useful.

And BTW, drop the Professor Stein stuff; I'm just
Rich