METAL WORK TECHNIQUE QUESTION FOR FORD HALLAM

[Bazza]

Dear Ford and Listeros,

 

A friend here has a Takahashi Naganobu katana with a fascinating koshirae. The question here concerns the metal working technique for the en suite fuchigashira and kojiri. I do not recall seeing anything like this technique in all my decades of collecting and study, but I'm sure someone on this magnificent board does. I'm tempted to say ishime, but it is far too complex for that IMHO. Below are some photos of the tsuka showing fuchigashira, a closeup of the fuchi and a closeup of the fuchimei. The metal appears to be shibuichi, given the silver appearance with the suaka visible through wear. If anyone is able to identify the artisan and make comment on where this work fits into the tosogu schema I would be very grateful - and so would my friend.

 

Best regards,

BaZZa.

[ROKUJURO]

I am far from being Ford Hallam, but to me the metal surface looks as if it was treated with a cross-shaped punch, a kind of stippling. I have seen similar techniques with different punches, e.g. little flower- or sun-like shapes on soft metal surfaces.

[Ford Hallam]

Hi Barry

 

as Jean suggests the texture is in fact made with a cross shaped punch. The punch having a negative impression of the cross, leaving a raised cross when struck into the shibuichi. the edges of the cross are further relieved to provide a sort of frame around the cross which allows the struck marks to blend into one another to create a pleasing and complex ground. Nice effect If I get a moment this week I'll see if I can recreate the punch and the texture.

 

Ford