Exhibition Highlights Part 2
Daisho Koshirae from the Edo period
Juyo Tensho koshirae
Exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum exhibition Uchi-gatana koshirae in 1980.The following is a compilation of earlier post highlights, supplemented with confirmed exhibits and images. All of these works will be on display on Saturday 16th June at our educational events. This is part 2 of 3 of our comprehensive list of exhibits, which will be published over the coming weeks. Even so, it is still incomplete and further exhibits will be added as they are confirmed. Alongside the excellent display of Iron Tsuba, we will have some beautiful examples of soft metal workmanship.
O-Wakazashi Omi no Kami Minamoto Hisamichi Tokubetsu Hozon 2000. A member of the Mishina school, Hisamichi produced very individualistic work incorporating beautifully refined hada. This piece showcases his work at its best. Several Higo koshirae from the Hosokawa- and Matsui-Family heritage with provenances of famous Japanese collections will be shown.
Yamato Hosho katana
Juyo Token. Yamato blades are rare, Hosho blades incredibly rare. In more than 35 years of collecting I have only seen one other Hosho daito and that was a designated Tokubetsu Hozon in Japan at the DTI. This is the first Juyo example I have ever seen.
Wakizashi : Joshu Jyu Kunihiro/Keicho 13 Nen 8 Gatsuhi
Juyo Token 52. Kunihiro is regarded by many as one of the fathers of Shinto. This piece shows exceptional workmanship and it is easy to understand why it was awarded Juyo status.
Katana: Sakakura Gonnoshin Terukane Enpo 9 Nen 2 Gatsu Kichijitsu
45th NBTHK Juyo. Another stunning Shinto masterpiece by a smith that is too often overlooked.
Naoe-Shizu Katana and koshirae
The Naoe- Shizu school was founded by pupils of Kaneuji. Their work offers an interesting illustration of the transition from the early Yamato-Shizu work to the mature Mino style. This is an excellent example of their work. It is shown together with its koshirae, which is of very high quality.
Ishiguro Masayoshi soroi-kanagu
Juyo-tosogu March 25th 1987 Kacho-mushi no zu soroi-kanagu (En suite Set of Flowers, Insects etc)Daisho-fuchi, mei: Ishiguro Masayoshi saku (石黒政美作) Menuki, divided tanzaku-mei: Ishiguro – Masayoshi (石黒・政美) Kozuka and kogai, mei: Jugakusai Masayoshi (寿岳斎政美) This sword had been a heirloom of the Shimazu-Famiy (島津) for whom Masayoshi worked since the Edo period. Watch out for next week’s post, which will detail the special tsuba coming to Samurai Art Expo!
