Ford Hallam Posted March 12, 2015 Report Posted March 12, 2015 GoRin Sharekoube tsuba Some tsuba just demand to be made. The plate is a piece I forged some years ago, it's not a flawless bit of laminated steel by any means but there's always a way to bring the best out of material that might otherwise be rejected. I had no particular theme in mind as I upset the rim and worked up the ground texture. The weathered skull just seemed right. I used a photograph of a real skull in that position and simply drew the shape directly onto the steel with a fineliner without too much concern for anatomical accuracy. The texture of the steel pretty much guided the carving and blending in. The piercing was added to serve as a contrast to the moodiness of the skull. I like the feeling of abstraction of the Gorin. A gorin is a stupa made up of symbols that represent the 5 elements of earth, water, fire, air and the void. On the back I had to deal with a bad bit of de-lamination but in carving it out the recessed area that resulted suggested a river to me. So I made it so, further adding to the philosophical theme of the tsuba. All in all this was a joy to make. It seemed to come about almost of it's own volition as though I was merely the servant It measures a touch under 80mm high, is 3mm thick in the centre and about 4mm on the edge. It comes in a fitted custom made Paulownia wood box. I sign all my boxes and mark them with my artist’s seal. £750 If you'd like to see more images of this piece you'll find a small album on my Facebook page here:
Kevin Adams Posted March 12, 2015 Report Posted March 12, 2015 I had the opportunity to examine this one up close, and it is positively exquisite. Don't let it slip by!
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