Another ni-mei tsuba ...

[docliss]

Curran’s recent posting of a tsuba with two mei has prompted me to post another for consideration. Made in two sections, it comprises a circular iron disc onto which has been affixed a rōgin shell. The obverse (rōgin) surface bears a delicate image of katakiri-bori grasses and chrysanthemum flowers, while the reverse (iron) surface depicts a shishiai-bori tiger, with a golden eye and fang, seated beneath katakiri bamboo. It is inscribed on the obverse SHIGEMASA with kao, and on the reverse JURYUSAI with kao.

 

It would appear that the artist of the iron plate was Ishikawa Shigesada (H 08441.0). A student of Kōno Haruaki, this artist is variably described as working in Shōnai, Edo and Akita – all in the province of Dewa – in the 1800s; he died in 1875. On p. 90, # 149, of Joly’ Shōsankenshu are listed the gō of Jūryusai, and an identical kao, under the heading of Shigesada, and on p. 147d of Kinkō Meikan is illustrated the identical kao of Ishikawa Shigesada.

 

But are we able, with any confidence, to identify the artist who, signing himself Shigemasa, created the rōgin plate? Shōsankenshu illustrates the mei and kao on p. 89, #125, but Haynes lists no fewer than 12 artists using these kanji. Of these, one artist – Ishikawa Shigemasa (H 08323.0) – was also working in Akita in the 1800s. The father of the first artist, and the son of Ishikawa Masateru, he died in 1850.

 

It may thus be a reasonable supposition that this tsuba was the joint work of these father-and-son, Ishikawa artists.

 

John L.,

[John A Stuart]

I wouldn't want to meet that tiger in the open. The malevolence of the tiger and then the passiveness of the grassy area. Two opposed sensibilities. I can't fault your logic at all. Who would better have reason to do a joint work than those with a close familial relationship. Of course, this leads to the possibility of a memorial piece made by one upon the death of another. John

[Brian]

Doc,

How did you know that I have such a huge love of kinko katakiri-bori?

Should I send you my address so that I can store and study it for a few years?

Lovely piece. Is it my imagination, or do the 2 sides appear to have a different style of carving..leading me to believe that each side was carved by a different hand, and it is not just the material that was prepared by one artist?

I think the theory that it is a collaboration is entirely plausible and logical given the evidence.

Great looking tsuba, the only fault I can mention is that it isn't mine

 

Brian

[docliss]

I agree with you, Brian, that the two sides appear to have been carved by different artists. To my eye, the work on the rogin side - that of the father - appears to be the superior.

 

John.