Ittō-Bori 一刀彫

[Guido]

Ittō-bori literary means “one-knife carving.” This carving technique originates from shrine carpenters of Ise province, who used the construction yew wood (一位 ichii) wastes to make lucky charms during their time off. This traditional carving technique spread to other parts of Japan, and in Nara the wood was colored to make Nara-ningyō 奈良人形 (Nara dolls), mostly of nō dancers, and often as netsuke. Nowadays Takayama is the center of ittō-bori.

 

Although called one-knife carving (and originally it was), as the technique developed, about 40 - 50 kinds of knifes/chisels are actually used. However, the intention behind its name is that a single, bold stroke of the knife would make the final edge, creating a sense of “roughness” in its design, due to the sharp angles.

 

Except for Nara-ittō-bori, the wood is left untreated, resulting in either a warm luster from handling, or a more distressed look from being left alone.

 

Shortly after I got married, an aunt of my wife gave me a kinchaku 巾着 (leather money pouch) with a Nara-ningyō netsuke, that was in her family for many generations. The netsuke is kind of worn in a pleasant way (but the himo [string] was falling apart, so I replaced it). In any case, it never became a favorite item in my collection: ittō-bori is kind of an acquired taste ….

[Guido]

Fast forward 30 years: although I occasionally browse Yahoo!auctions Japan, I hardly ever bid on any items due to the rampant shill bidding there. However, during the obon お盆 holidays this week, there wasn’t much competition, and I was able to successfully bid on an ittō-bori statue sold by one of the few honest dealers.

 

It is aptly named “tōshō 刀匠” (sword smith) on the hakogaki. The height is 19.5 cm (7.7"), the width 20.8 cm (11") – a substantial carving. It immediately spoke to me, not only because of the subject, but also the artistic execution.

 

The (contemporary) artist is 加藤潮光 Katō Shiomitsu (or maybe Chōkō, I couldn’t verify the reading of the given name yet). Anyhow, it now occupies a place of honor in my home.

[Brian]

Love it Guido!

[Bazza]

Mmmmmm...  an evocative representation of a swordsmith.  I would put such in my (Aussie style) tokonoma.  Splendid.

 

BaZZa.

[Baka Gaijin]

I love the chippy angles, reminds me of Enkū.

[Geraint]

Dear Guido.

 

Thank you so much for this.  A close friend went to a lot of trouble to find me a birthday present which she was assured was Japanese and old.  I'm afraid I didn't recognise it untill seeing your post and now I know what it isl

 

Very many thanks, I shall tell my friend.

 

All the best.

 

P.S.  Your tosho is great!