[Image1]Introduction of Kozuka from WakedoItem Number: K381102 Title: Taketora zu Kozuka Signature: Somin (K
[Image2]Introduction of Kozuka from WakedoItem Number: K381102 Title: Taketora zu Kozuka Signature: Somin (K
[Image3]Introduction of Kozuka from WakedoItem Number: K381102 Title: Taketora zu Kozuka Signature: Somin (K
[Image4]Introduction of Kozuka from WakedoItem Number: K381102 Title: Taketora zu Kozuka Signature: Somin (K

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakedo

Item Number: K381102

Title: Taketora zu Kozuka

Signature: Somin (Kao)

Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu


Dimensions: Length 96.3mm Width 14.5mm

Period: Middle of Edo

School: Yokoya school

Description
Yokoya Somin was a renowned craftsman representing the Edo Period and is considered the founder of a group known as Machibori, which served the Goto family. He produced many branches, including Yanagawa, Ishiguro, and Omori schools, shaping Edo metalwork.
Somin was born in the 10th year of the Kanbun era, known as Nagajiro, and later changed his name to Jibei. He initially signed as Souchi but adopted the name Somin around the 7th year of Genroku after his father's death. Somin studied the painting style of the famous Kanō school and incorporated it into his metal engraving techniques. In addition to the traditional high relief style, he established a new realm known as Katakiri-bori. This engraving technique from the Yokoya school received great admiration and had a significant impact on the future of metalwork.
This piece is an exquisite example of Katakiri-bori, creating a sensation akin to viewing a hanging scroll. It features Somin's specialty, the Taketora (bamboo tiger) design, characterized by the tiger's charming expression and skillful execution, all depicted through Katakiri-bori. The strength and subtlety of the chiseling are remarkable, truly showcasing a master craftsman.

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横谷宗珉は江戸時代を代表する名工で、後藤家に対して町彫りと言われる一派の祖となる人物である。横谷派から柳川派、石黒派、大森派と多くの分派を生み出し、江戸金工を形成した。  宗珉は寛文十年に生まれる、通称長次郎といい、のちに次兵衛と改める。初銘を宗知としたが、父の没後の元禄七年ごろに宗珉と名乗る。宗珉は絵画で有名な狩野派の画風を勉強し、それを彫金技術に取り入れた。これまでの高彫りという作風に加え、片切彫りという新しい境地を確立させた。この横谷派の彫技は世の中の賞賛を受け以後の彫金界に大きな影響を与えた。  本作は片切彫りの逸品となる。それは一幅の軸を見ているような感覚になる。宗珉得意の竹虎図であるが、虎の表情など愛嬌があり上手である、これはすべて鏨で描いている、まさに名人である。
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Oct. 12, 2026
Introduction of the sword from Wakedo Model Number: K381002 Sign: Satsuma Kanko Chichibu Matsuyo Taira Masayoshi Tenmei 5 nen mi 8gatsu Certif: [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken Size: Blade length 86.5 cm, Curvature 2.1 cm, Mekugi 2 Hole Country: Satsuma Period: AD 1785 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, An-tō, wide body, little difference between the base and tip, thick kasane, long length, deep curvature, shallow curvature in the upper half, with a delicate tip Forge: It has a grain pattern with mixed wood grain and flowing skin, with a prominent surface, thick ground, and frequent patterns in the ground Hamon: Notare style with mixed gunome and pointed gunome, well-defined, deep nioi, thick nie, prominent rough nie, and active edge with frequent kinsu, waku, and sunadashi Boshi: Irregular, tapering to a point Nakago: Unsigned, tapering towards the tip, with a rising file pattern Shira-saya: Present Explanation:  Hōki no Kami Masayuki was the son of the second generation of Ijichi Masayoshi, born in the 18th year of Kyōhō, and took on the name Masayoshi as the third generation. In the first year of Kansei, he received the title Hōki no Kami at the same time as Oku Motohei, passing the name Masayoshi to his legitimate son and changing his own name to Masayuki. He passed away at the age of 86 in the first year of Bunkyū. Masayuki demonstrated superior skills compared to his ancestors, earning a high reputation, and along with Oku Motohei, he is regarded as a leading figure among Satsuma new swordsmiths. Masayuki's works are characterized by a wide body, long length, thick kasane, and generally sturdy construction, with a hamon featuring notare with mixed gunome and pointed gunome, deep nioi, prominent rough nie, and frequent kinsu and sunadashi, reflecting the style of the Sōshū tradition, especially emulating the Shizu school. This work features a steel body with mixed wood grain and flowing skin, resulting in a prominent surface, thick ground, and frequent patterns in the ground. The hamon is notare style with mixed gunome and pointed gunome, with active edges, well-defined, deep nioi, prominent rough nie, and frequent kinsu, nie, and sunadashi, showcasing a typical and outstanding creation of Hōki no Kami Masayuki. Satsuma new swords and new new swords are often robustly constructed with a wide body and heavy feel due to the influence of the Shigen-ryū style, and Masayuki is particularly known for his impressive works. However, there are no comparable examples of such a long and heavy work as this one, and the frequent patterns in the ground are stronger than usual, with the grandeur of the prominent rough nie being exceptional. This should be regarded as a grand work of Hōki no Kami Masayuki's lifetime.