Kanzan Sato Seals

[Japan2112]

Hello all,

 

I have seen Kanzan Sato hakogaki included with none, one, or in some cases, two seals. I have a ko Akasaka tsuba with accompanying 2 seals. Is there a significance to the application of two seals? Thanks, Mark C.

[Pete Klein]

I have read several contradictory explanations on this but from my experience the hakogaki with two seals are usually the most legitimate and higher quality. 

I believe this one is to third generation and looks legitimate.

 

PS:  There are so many forgeries of these hakogaki I couldn't begin to count, even with fake hanko.

[Japan2112]

Thanks, Pete.

That is what I was guessing, as he praises the iron. Here is a translation of the hakogaki (courtesy of Markus S.)

Mark

 

Lid:

Akasaka sandai saku 赤坂三代作 Akasaka work of the 3rd generation

Akasaka futatsu-hiki kiri-sukashi tsuba 二引桐透鐔 Twofold hiki bar and paulownia sukashi

 

Inside:

marugata tetsu-ji sukashibori 丸形鉄地透彫 maru gata, iron, sukashi bori

mumei Akasaka sandai 無銘赤坂三代 unsigned, 3rd generation Akasaka

jigane yoroshii 地鉄宜矣 excellent iron

Shôwa hinoto-hitsujidoshi haru 昭和丁未年春 Spring - year of the sheep of the Shôwa era

Kanzan shirusu 寒山誌 written by Kanzan (1967)

[Pete Klein]

I'd love to see a pic if at all possible.  The third had a somewhat distinctive style.

 

Pete

[Japan2112]

Hello again, Pete.

Here is a photo of this tsuba. I am very interested in your impression.

Thank you.

 

Mark

[Pete Klein]

Well, quite nice!  Masatora was working in the second half of the 17th century and one can begin to see the cross-over from Higo concepts in style.  I've found the shape of the kogai hitsuana to be rather individual to Masatora, being somewhat larger than his predecessors.  I like to refer to it as, 'Capezzoli di Venere (Nipples of Venus)'...!  LOL  I must have been watching, 'Amadeus' when I though of it...never know!  LOL

[Bazza]

Pete,

 

I love the way you think!!

 

BaZZa.

(Old and Seasoned Campaigner in the double entendre ++ vein)