Chōshū Tomonori Dragon

[Vermithrax16]

Been a bit since I added a tsuba (April) but that's how nihonto goes. Super slow then several things all at once.

 

When I first saw this one, I really just passed it by. This is somewhat of a problem for me, more so for tosogu, that if something does not grab me right away I tend to move on. Sometimes it takes a bit of study and looking a piece over before the art of it can be seen.

 

Luckily, I discussed this one with a nihonto friend who kindly and gently suggested I spend a little more time looking it over. I did over the next 3 weeks.

 

I don't like to over talk a piece, each takes what they will from any item. To me, the dragon's face is lively and full of activity. Seems to convey a sense of mischief. The billowing clouds swirl and almost seem to wax and wane when you hold the piece in hand. The small punched scales and detailed joint carvings are a real nice treat under magnification. Patina is very good, though some remnant rust areas do remain. I am pretty happy with this one and hope people enjoy as I am.

 

First test of the phone camera stand: it's really super useful but I was challenged by the lighting in my den when I did the shots; as twilight was coming in all the windows it was hard to get a clean focused shot. Will do some more after dark.

 

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon

Signed: Chōshū Tomonori (⻑州友範) ‒ Tomonori, Nagato Province

Unʼryū no zu tsuba (雲⿓図鐔) ‒ Tsuba with Cloud Dragon Motif

Oval shape, iron, polished finish, sukidashi-takabori relief, raised sukinokoshi-mimi

7.31cm X 7.65cm X 0.56cm 151g

 

[TETSUGENDO]

Beautiful piece Jeremiah, bet your glad you added it to your collection.   Photos look quite descent to me, fine detail etc., don't see much to take issue with.

 

Cheers,

    -S-

[Vermithrax16]

I am glad

 

Lighting made it hard to get the surface texture right on the iron, will do a few more later on.

 

In case anyone is interested in the lineage, this is the 8th gen maker in the Kawaji School line:

 

[TETSUGENDO]

Once you acquire some reliable light sources things should be easier.  Can't, of course see what you do, but some of the pictures convey a very good sense of texture.  Your photos are 95 percent there, that additional 5 percent is chasing the Grail.  Most would be overjoyed at these results, fine pictures of a gorgeous tsuba.

 

Cheers,

    -S- 

[Ford Hallam]

I find that the difficulty is trying to capture both colour and texture in the same image. I think it may actually be impossible. For texture I like an early morning or late afternoon natural  raking light. And images taken at a shallow angle too.

 

[Vermithrax16]

Will give that shot Ford, thanks for the tip.