Haruaki Hogen kozuka

[Ford Hallam]

I thought I'd share this particularly fine example of (Kono) Haruaki Hogen's work, 1787–1857 . I know Mike Yamasaki will appreciate the quality :D

 

It's ex. Naunton collection and is described in the Naunton Catalogue by Henri Joly, in the understatement of the 20th. Century, as being "very fine work". No other piece in the collection is thus described. It's now preserved in a rather exceptional English collection.

 

The mei alone is very beautiful. Note also the fine graininess of the ground. This is the classic 'nashiji-ji' that is a feature of the finest shibuichi. That visual texture is the result of the silver in the alloy not being allowed to completely diffuse throughout the copper matrix and to remain as discrete particles.

 

The actual chisel work is quite remarkable in that this sort of direct chiselling allows for absolutely no margin of error nor recutting. Just like in an ink painting there's no going back and redoing something. To my eye this sort of work is the very highest achievement of art in metal.

 

[Jean]

a werewolf

 

Very, very nice, Ford :D

[Eric H]

A masterpiece, wonderful and stunning these details.

 

Eric

[Markus]

The face on the water, its lines, the hair and the hinted kimono are very impressive (as is of course the entire piece).

[Brian]

Expressive smileys just don't seem enough. Wow. Just wow.

That would be the highlight of a collection.

 

Brian

[John A Stuart]

Is the fox seeing a reflection of how it used to look before being changed? Great piece!! John

[Soshin]

Hi Ford,

 

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful kozuka. Truly a fine work of art. :D

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles

[raiden]

excellent piece!, I love his workmanship, and i think he is too under appreciated in the west. i have a set of rabbit making mochi menuki by him as well and they seem to be permanently stuck to my hands......

[Ford Hallam]

I'm pleased to have been able to share this piece and that it's so well appreciated.

[paulb]

I have had the pleasure of seeing this piece on several occassions in hand and as has been said by others it is absolutely beautiful. I have said on many occassions that I am not a fittings person and very few move my limited imagination. This piece is probably the one I have lusted after the most amongst any I have seen.

The sculpting of the Fox and his expression as he looks at his deceptive reflection as a princess is scaled and worked to perfection. The whole composition leaves you breathless.

( in case it isnt clear I do rather like this work!!)

Thanks for posting it Ford

Regards

Paul