TOSOGU ARCHIVE GALLERY

This is a rare Daisho set of FUCHIKASHIRA boxed in a special box with cover and calligraphy description on the inside of the box( There is translation below). ISHIGURO KOREYOSHI was a master craftsman of the Ishiguro school. Pheasants and Quail and ducks and sparrow are depicted with the utmost of detail executed. The set shows the various flowers and birds of the four seasons. The element’s are very skilfully arranged and provide a great sense of balance. This refined thematic approach, and the applied techniques of this masterwork truly reflect the great skills of ISHIGURO KOREYOSHI. The use of precious metals Gold, Silver, Shakudo and minute detail on the perfectly executed Nanako and abundance of colouring on such a small and define area and in terms of how the chisel and the iroe was applied this set testifies to the fact that Koreyoshi had certainly succeeded the highest artistic approach.

Please, note that images cannot display the intricate detail on these like actually holding them by hand and viewing them with the human eye. For such detail on these Fuchikashira of such small size: Fuchi are 3.8 cm length, 2.1 cm width. The Kashira are3.4 cm length, 1.8 cm width. These are absolutely splendid and a great work of art of the highest order.

The set comes with NBTHK Hozon Certificate to authenticate this to be the work of Ishiguro Koreyoshi

(This item has been sold)

Inscription box (inside):

花鳥図縁頭
銘　石黒是美「花押」
梅樹の幹の張り出しは赤銅と金の
対比を際立たせる工夫にて
是美の苦心の裡が伺われる
平成二十六年霜月吉祥日

Kachō no zu fuchigashira
Mei: Ishiguro Koreyoshi + kaō
Baiju no miki no haridashi wa shakudō to kin no
taihi o kiwadataseru kōfu ni te
Koreyoshi no kushin no ri ga ukagawareru.
Heisei nijūrokunen shimotsuki kichijōnichi

“Fuchigashira with flowers and birds motif.
Signed: Ishiguro Koreyoshi + monogram
The way the shakudō and gold create a contrast along the protruding stem of the plum tree truly reflects the diligence with which Koreyoshi designed this work.
On a lucky day in November of 2014 [Seal of Ginza Chōshūya]”

Setsumei: ( Explanation)

The meaning of Shiho is four directions. The meaning of Sougan is double gooses. The four sets of triple lines going up and sideways from the inside rim of the Tsuba are the four directions and four flying gooses are depicted in between the circular sukashi. The imaginative concept and surprising design of this Tsuba are a testimony of the master portraying the energy of the Samurai.

Certification: NBTHK Hozon Certificate

Comment: This is a unique and rare Tsuba from the Momoyama period and in perfect condition. All the Iron Tsuba on this site are from Japanese collectors whom I have known over a long period and have not been outside of Japan until now. A unique opportunity to aquire this rare and desirable Tsuba.

Note: Images are portrayed under different lighting. As in all cases holding the Tsuba in the hand with human eye contact will portray the exact colour and feeling of emotion that emerge from the Tsuba.

This is an outstanding and rare Ko Shoami Iron Tsuba from the early sixteenth century. ( Mid Muromachi period). The design is that of young Bamboo Bridging a snow ring.
The Iron colour is wonderful and the Tsuba has been kept in pristine condition for its age. There is fine Tekkotsu on the rim.Tsuba of this period are extremely difficult to acquire and this Tsuba is a wonderful piece for the advanced Iron collector.

Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate attesting to its rarity and authenticity.

A brief History of the Hayashi School:

The first master of the Hayashi School ( Matashichi ) was born on the eighteenth year of Keicho(1613) and died in the twelfth year of Genroku at the age of 87.
Matashichi’s works differ greatly depending on wether or not they have Zogan ( Inlaid work of Gold or Silver). His Sukashi Tsuba in general has quality Iron, carefully finished with sophisticated designs. His work is considered outstanding.

Sukashi Iron Tsuba of great quality Iron and showing Tekkotsu on the rim.

Height: 8.6cm
Width: 8.0cm
Rim Thickness: 4.0mm
Seppa Dai Thickness: 5mm

The condition of this Tsuba is beautiful and has a rich dark granular texture and Tekkotsu on the rim and is in exceptional condition. The age of the Tsuba is early Edo period. This is a rare Tsuba and also has a Hakogaki (箱書き) (Box inscription) by Kanzan Sato. Highly recommended for the advanced Iron Tsuba collector and scholar. For centuries many characteristics of the OWARI school have been appreciated and held in high esteem by the Samurai, expressing their aesthetic standards.
The Owari Tsuba started being made in the Oei era (1394-1427) and lasted until the Sword abolition law was enacted in the ninth year of Meiji 1876.

It comes with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate attesting to it’s rarity and authenticity.

OWARI Tsuba : Sukashi design; Diamond in a Zig-Zag Configuration ( ori-iribishi )
Momoyama Period Late 16th Century ( Tensho / Keicho era )
Height: 81.5mm Width: 79.9mm Rim Thickness: 5.2mm
Centre thickness: 4.4 mm Round Cornered rim ( Mimi )

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate 2017

In Japanese this subject is called ‘Ori-iribishi’ expressing a generous cheerful mood. The disappearance of the earlier design of solidity and strength result from political and social developments in the Momoyama period. This slightly heavy appearance is a bold statement of pride.

(From the Sasano Sensei collection and featured in his Silver book: Japanese Sword Guards Masterpieces From The Sasano Collection By Sasano Masayuki) Page 196 , Tsuba 164 Owari.

Comments: This is an exceptionally rare Tsuba and has beautiful Iron Colour and Tekkotsu.( Iron Bones )

SETSUMEI
Height : 68 mm
Width : 68 mm
Rim Thickness : 5.5 mm
Seppa Dai Thickness : 3.5 mm

DESCRIPTION : DANCING CRANES AND REED'S ( maizuru-ni-ashi )

ERA : MUROMACHI CHUKI, EARLY 16th CENTURY (Tenbun era )

DIMENSION'S : HEIGHT: 79.5mm . WIDTH : 80mm. RIM THICKNESS: 4.9mm. CENTRE THICKNESS : 5mm ROUND CORNERED RIM