Ever wanted to see how they did nunome-zogan or hon-zagan ?

[Ford Hallam]

I not sure this is the right place to post this so if not, Brian, please excuse me and put it where you feel it belongs

 

I've just uploaded a 55 image photo-essay showing the making of a kagamibuta netsuke I made last year. All of the techniques I show, in extreme close up, and possibly for the first time seen in this sort of clarity, are classical Japanese methods as used by tsuba makers of the past.

 

The silver nunome shown is exactly the same as used by the the Jingo and Hizen schools. The raised brass type inlay, taka-zogan, iro-e, is also the same as Shimazu Jingu's work and his school, but these methods are pretty much standards anyway. Incidentally, the actual sentoku metal I used is from the base of a Meiji period vase that had been damaged beyond repair...so that bit is already antique

 

Here's the making of a kagamibuta

 

you can watch a slide show or select individual images to view, in that case you can use to zoom function to get a really close look. The images of the finished piece are particularly large.

 

I hope this sheds a little light on how these things were made.

 

regards, Ford

[Stephen]

Outstanding post Ford. i bow to your skill

and host one for the pictorial

[Brian]

Outstanding Ford! A magnificent step by step visual guide.

Yep..I would say this is the perfect section for it.

 

Brian

[Bugyotsuji]

That's pretty stunning. Worth spending time looking at those illustrations. Thanks for posting that.

 

PS Puerile question maybe, but what is the kagamibuta for, a Netsuke?

[Ford Hallam]

Thanks Gents, I'm glad that the images are helpful in explaining at least a little in terms of technique.

 

Hi Piers, yes, they are a type of netsuke.

[Bugyotsuji]

Thanks Gents, I'm glad that the images are helpful in explaining at least a little in terms of technique.

 

Hi Piers, yes, they are a type of netsuke.

 

Ah, thank you. They are funny things, aren't they! I have some rather ordinary Kagamibuta Netsuke, but I know Jim Lewis has some real corkers/beauties along the lines of what you have been creating...

 

(Nothing to do with the price of fish, really, but in the past I have thought long and hard about the process through which kagamibuta might have evolved.)

[IanB]

Ford, I bow to your artistry as well as your willingness to share this with us. Superb! May I ask, the silver you are using - is it near 100%? I've tried with stirling silver in the past and failed miserably. I assumed the alloying made it too hard.

Ian bottomley

[Ford Hallam]

Hello, Ian,

 

You're more than welcome, I'm always happy to help spread a more accurate understanding of this traditions technology. thanks for the compliment too .

 

Yes, we only use fine silver. Stirling silver is also avoided in making iro-e because it turns an unappealing dull, wishy washy grey when the piece is patinated. Also, to anneal the foil, you can mark it with a marker pen, place the foil on a thin plate of steel and heat with a flame from underneath. Once the ink has burnt away the foil will be soft and you'll find that working it into the cut ground a lot easier.

 

regards, Ford

[anne_brewer]

Ford,

 

Being new to the board, I just found your excellent slide show. THANK YOU! I assure you I will watch it many times - watch, practice, watch, practice....

 

Thank you for sharing your stellar knowledge. It is much appreciated by this lady. You are truly a scholar and a gentleman. :D

 

Anne

[Ford Hallam]

You are truly a scholar and a gentleman.

 

Anne, I may have to quote you on this bit...; :D thanks so much.

 

I'm pleased the images were of interest to you. If you are more actively involved in making you may find more on our forum. The link's below.

 

regards, Ford

[Eric H]

Ford,

 

I have now closely watched the pics as well the "album" and I'm extremely impressed by your ability in mastering engraving, inlay, onlay, Japanese alloys and wood treatment. When I think what stands all behind : the project, the drawing, the various materials and finally to concretise it with artistic skill (all the tools I have seen !) Well, I appreciate much your lovely impaccable works - your expertise in Japanese art is proved at best.

 

with great respect

 

Eric

[Brian]

Not to promote Ford's work or anything, but I did want to say how impressed I was when checking out a recent Nihonto kanji Pages link to the NBTHK 2005 Forging Competition results, and noticed way down at the bottom among the Chokin (chasing) Nyusen awards (accepted for competition) a solitary Western name

http://www.tousyoukai.jp/english/17th_e.shtml

Nice to see you listed there Ford, I can only imagine how hard it must be to compete with local Japanese on their home ground and be accepted among them.

 

Regards,

Brian

[Ford Hallam]

Eric, thank you very much. Yours considered words are very flattering. I'm so happy you appreciated what I've been working at for so long.

 

Thanks too, Brian,...perhaps I should adopt a Japanese name...it may help, in a variety of ways

 

regards, Ford