Kozuka signed Otsuryuken Shozui (乙柳軒政随): Authenticity check

[Guzewski]

Hi everyone, I’ve recently come across this kozuka and would love to get your thoughts on it. It’s a composite piece with a bottom plate made of a copper alloy. The piece is signed Otsuryuken Shozui (乙柳軒政随). As we know, he was a key figure and one of the founders of the Hamano branch of the Nara school. I have my doubts regarding the signature though. I haven't been able to find any exact matches for this particular mei in my references. I suspect it might be gimei, or perhaps the work of a later Hamano master from the late 19th century. The kogatana is also signed. What is your take on this piece? Do you think it has a chance of being authentic, or is it more likely a fake? Any insights would be greatly appreciated
 

Edited January 25 by Guzewski

[Bugyotsuji]

Great question. I have a piece too, but feel the need to reserve final judgement. 

[Matsunoki]

Simply looking at the quality, imo this is not made by any “master” let alone a highly rated one. The workmanship is very basic…..and that’s being kind.

[CSM101]

Shozui - signature and quality 

 

 

[yogoro]

Shozui, founder of the Hamano school.

FK signed Otsuryuken Shozui , Mandarin duck and reed .

Hakogaki by Torigoye Sensei , published "Toso Soran"

[Jake6500]

Hamano works typically feature taka iroe zogan like the example provided by Mikolaj above (beautiful piece btw). This means designs are typically carved notably in three dimensions as well as in multiple colours. Combinations of shibuichi or shakudo as a base contrasted with gold to create striking contrasts are typical of quality Hamano school works. Part of the design is usually raised whilst outlines and fine details are carved to create the three dimensional feeling.

 

Whilst the material used does not in and of itself rule out authenticity, the lack of a three dimensional design means your piece lacks the style that is typical of quality Hamano school work. Moreover the quality of the work does not match up to high or even middle level Hamano school work in my opinion.

 

Shozui's mei was of course reused in many gimei works as he was the founder of the Hamano school.

 

Here are a few decent pieces of Hamano school stuff from my collection, images of which are already floating around on the forum in other threads to give you an idea... First, the item in my profile picture also signed "Shozui", but not papered. I would say it features a typical design for Shozui - Historical or folklore based, taka iroe zogan, etc. The unusual part of the design is the use of mother of pearl in the eye of the tengu which is atypical of Shozui's works:

 

Next, here is a fuchigashira signed "Hamano Noriyuki" depciting the crossing of the Uji River:

 

 

Lastly, my only papered piece, a fuchigashira featuring a three dimensional wave design that resembles the Omori school. The piece is signed "Seisendo Kashino Naonobu" who was a later student of the Hamano-Oguri school in Echigo province. I would like to submit this one for Tokubetsu Hozon assessment in the future to see if it passes:

 

 

These pieces should give you an idea of what to look for in authentic Hamano school work. In fact, it is open ended as to whether even my first 2 examples would pass authentication as Shozui and Noriyuki were both elite artists. The mother of pearl eye in particular is something that I don't think exists in any authenticated Shozui piece. I do however still think it is a good example of Hamano school work based on the quality and style, even if it is gimei.

 

 

 

Edited January 26 by Jake6500