Fuchigashira
“Jigami”chirashi
signature: Katsura EIJU (Kao)

mid Edo period
Kurume city, Chikugo province
– Edo city, Musashi province
made of Shakudo
Fuchi Size; 37mm / Kashira Size: 32mm
Special Kiri Box

Tokubetsu-hozon certificate by NBTHK

Price 350,000 JPY

Katsura Eishu was born in Kurume, Chikugo. He studied metal carving under Yokoya Eisei in Edo, and after completing his training, he returned to his hometown to start his business. He was employed by the Arima family, but he went back to Edo, likely to further improve his skills. This fuchigashira (sword fitting) showcases the katakiribori (one-sided carving) technique that Yokoya Somin excelled at. It depicts various scenes characteristic of Somin’s style, such as lions, horses, and peonies, scattered on paper-like designs in the background, creating an elegant atmosphere. The paper-like parts are inlaid with thick plates of vivid gold and subdued, lustrous silver. Each scene is clearly depicted with delicate yet powerful chisel work. This description highlights the craftsmanship and artistic style of Katsura Eishu, emphasizing his connection to the Yokoya school of metalworking and his mastery of techniques associated with Yokoya Somin. It also provides details about the specific sword fitting (fuchigashira) being described, noting its intricate design and the skillful use of metal inlay and carving techniques.

桂永壽は筑後久留米の出身。江戸の横谷英精に彫金を学び、業成って故郷に開業、有馬家に抱えられたが、更なる研鑽を目的としたものであろう再び江戸に出ている。この縁頭は、横谷宗珉が得意とした片切彫を駆使し、図中図の如く散し配した地紙に獅子、馬、牡丹など宗珉伝の各図を彫り表して洒落た風情が漂っている。地紙部分は鮮やかな金と渋く落ち着いた光沢の強い銀による厚板の象嵌。繊細ながら力強い鏨使いで各場面が鮮明。