Jim Kelso Posted March 15, 2014 Report Posted March 15, 2014 I am saddened to report the passing of Sakai Masaichi (Toshimasa), on March 10, 2014 at the age of 90. Toshimasa Sensei was long recognized as the leading tsuba-shi in Japan. I had the good fortune to visit him three times for a number of days since 1988 and he was very welcoming and generous, answering any questions I had about chokin. I had an appointment to see him in 2011 but he had to cancel. We received a New Year greeting in January with a photo of him and his wife in Arashiyama and he appeared fit. He taught himself chokin after having made pistols earlier. I will greatly miss his passion, workmanship, artistry and generosity. Here are three photos of his work. I'll try to scan some others soon. Menuki in gold uchidashi Quote
Soshin Posted March 15, 2014 Report Posted March 15, 2014 Hi Jim K., Sorry to hear of his passing. Thank you for sharing the photos of his fine works. Does anyone else have more examples to share. Quote
Ford Hallam Posted March 16, 2014 Report Posted March 16, 2014 You'll find some more images here, David Quote
Pete Klein Posted March 16, 2014 Report Posted March 16, 2014 Beautiful artistry. I wish there was a book available on all the modern day artists and their works. Quote
Jim Kelso Posted March 16, 2014 Author Report Posted March 16, 2014 These are from slides I took in 1988. I'll post more in a tribute at my web-journal when I get them scanned. Might take me a week or so. Quote
Jim Kelso Posted April 17, 2014 Author Report Posted April 17, 2014 With his family's permission I have made a gallery of more of Toshimasa-sensei's work here: http://www.jimkelso.com/albums/ToshimasaMemorial/album/ Quote
Soshin Posted April 17, 2014 Report Posted April 17, 2014 Hi Jim K., Thank you so much for posting a link to more of this modern masters wounderful work. :D Quote
b.hennick Posted April 17, 2014 Report Posted April 17, 2014 Thanks Jim! I love the work - a great loss to the tsubako community. Quote
BMarkhasin Posted April 17, 2014 Report Posted April 17, 2014 Stunning work. The nanako is great, and the shibuichi tsuba with poem is elegant. It underscores how much is being lost each time a person like this passes. Boris. Quote
Nickupero Posted April 17, 2014 Report Posted April 17, 2014 Incredible work, definitely a great loss!!! Sensei Toshimasa will live on through the beautiful work he has left us. Quote
Jim Kelso Posted April 18, 2014 Author Report Posted April 18, 2014 Many thanks all for your comments. Jim Quote
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