Fuchi, tsuka, and kogatana from an Bizen Osafune Masamitsu wakizashi

[Katsujinken]

Nothing special here, just parts assembled for mounting, but would appreciate the help of our resident translators, before whom I bow with utter humility. :-)

[SteveM]

中山氏

Nakayama shi　　probably the name of the person for whom the tsuka was made (or re-wrapped)

 

一蚕堂　乗意

Issandō Jōi

 

伴入道風一作之

Hannyūdō Fūichi saku kore

[Babu]

Can I see that Fuchi kashira?

Thank you Adam

[uwe]

Steve,

“蝅” instead of “蚕”? Or is it the same?

[Babu]

The artist Jōi (乗意), real name Nara Tashichi (奈良太七), later Sugiura Sen’emon (杉浦仙右衛門), was born in Genroku 14 (元禄, 1701) as son of a retainer of the Toda-Matsudaira family (戸田松平) in Mino province. Having arrived in Edo in the early years of the Kyōhō era (享保, 1716-1736), Jōi studied with the Nara School master Toshinaga (寿永). He signed with the name Nagaharu (永春) and the art names Issandō (一蝅堂) and Jōi (乗意) and died in Hōreki eleven (宝暦, 1761).

I would say the mei is quite close but would like to see the workmanship before committing.

[Katsujinken]

Thanks Adam! Here are some photos.

[Babu]

Hmmm whilst clearly Nara style of workmanship, I'm not getting high end work from the Fuchi but the kashira looks better.This could be a condition thing I guess as it's not in fine condition.

It's not quite good enough workmanship for me although I appreciate it.I guess I was expecting more finesse from this fine student of Toshinaga.

I'm on the fence sorry.

If it's him it's nice, but not one of his best works.

[Katsujinken]

Hmmm whilst clearly Nara style of workmanship, I'm not getting high end work from the Fuchi but the kashira looks better.This could be a condition thing I guess as it's not in fine condition.

It's not quite good enough workmanship for me although I appreciate it.I guess I was expecting more finesse from this fine student of Toshinaga.

I'm on the fence sorry.

If it's him it's nice, but not one of his best works.

 

That makes a lot of sense to me, Adam. I agree the work on the kashira is both stronger and in better condition. The fittings on this wakizashi are not very fancy and for me are just a bonus. The blade itself is papered, and that's where I wanted the money to go. I acquired it to wear at formal events so wasn't looking to blow a ton of money on the mounts. I guess the question is, would anyone go through the trouble of faking this mei? I'm more educated about blades so I have no idea if Jōi was a desirable artist.

 

In any case, thank you so much for your help!

[Babu]

I don't see why not,he was well respected and introduced styles later adopted by a few well known schools....Odd the two very different styles though.

Extract from Markus Seskos book.

[Katsujinken]

Right on, thanks again Adam! It wouldn't surprise me if the fuchi and kashira are not an original matched pair.

[Babu]

Well that opens a whole different perspective. It may be they were made by the same person at the same time but as a special request using two techniques. .

I've come across over the years the special order sets that were selected from books of hand drawn designs Confirmed by existing studies of books in the Metropolitan museum.

I've got at least three sets myself that have a form of cohesion but are very different in the application of the design.

This is because you can pair up anything that takes your fancy when you're a special order customer its your rules.

We don't know what elements that customer might marry together that is special to them but no other.

So they may not be mismatched, just special order as long as their is something that ties the two together and offers that cohesive element.

This is my opinion based on my studies alone.

 

Sagiura Joi was a pupil of Nara Juyei and was associated with Toshinaga and Yasuchika as one of the three great artists of the Nara school. His manner is very easily distinguished from the others as he worked in low relief on Iron, brass and copper taking animals for the most part as his subjects. His signatures are remarkably clear cut. He signed in many names including Issandō, Nagahara and Joi.

[Babu]

Anyway I'm sure I've bored you to death lol!

You can clearly see where my interests are.

[Katsujinken]

Anyway I'm sure I've bored you to death lol!

You can clearly see where my interests are.

Not at all. :-)

[SteveM]

Steve,

“蝅” instead of “蚕”? Or is it the same?

 

Yes, its the same kanji, just old style and new style.