Unusual fuchi-kashira to share

[EdWolf]

Just to share with you my tanto koshirae with some unusual fittings. The copper gilt fuchi-kashira and menuki are decorated with colored enamels. I have searched for other similar fittings and unfortunately can't find any. Does anyone know more about this type of fittings? Maybe a school to research? Please feel free to comment.  

Regards, Ed

[ChrisW]

I have a couple of tsuba with something known as "cloisonne" that is basically an enamel. Though they do not look as bright as these. They're rare, but not impossible to find. Though cloisonne is usually just on tsuba, the fittings too? Not sure about.

 

Also in my excitement, I forgot to say: I think it is very attractive!

[John A Stuart]

I like this exmple of shippo 七宝 It has a persian feel to it. Not for field use. John

[SalaMarcos]

Maybe Hirata or Shibata school.

By the way, I really LOVE this set.

[vajo]

I love it too Ed thats a stunning koshirae.

[EdWolf]

Thank you guys! Cloisonne and shippo are the search terms to use. Not much hits but it's a start. HIrata school seems plausible. I'll try to research the Hirata and Shibata school.

[Geraint]

Dear Ed.

 

For what it is worth I do not think researching Hirata school will get you very far with these.  Its a go to guess whenever enamel is associated with tosogu but you will soon see that they do not resemble this school's work.  Cloisonné is the name for the technique of soldering fine wires onto a base then filling the enclosed spaces with enamel.  Japanese cloisonné can be extraordinarily fine, look closely at the shaping and joining of the individual wires on your examples.

 

In any event you will enjoy looking at some fabulous things once you start researching both Hirata and Japanese cloisonné.  Enjoy!

 

All the best. 

[EdWolf]

Geraint,  your absolutely right about the craftsmanship. It's a joy to observe. 

Regards, Ed