{"product_id":"tsuba-edo-most-probably-yasuchika-fuchi-kashira-1","title":"Tsuba - EDO (most probably Yasuchika) \"Fuchi Kashira 1\"","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"238\" data-end=\"638\"\u003eThis \u003cstrong data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"276\"\u003eEdo-period fuchi–kashira pair\u003c\/strong\u003e was executed in \u003cstrong data-start=\"293\" data-end=\"304\"\u003esentoku\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"321\"\u003eshakudō\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"326\" data-end=\"334\"\u003egold\u003c\/strong\u003e details, reflecting the refined mixed-metal aesthetics associated with the \u003cstrong data-start=\"410\" data-end=\"428\"\u003eNara tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e, and in my opinion most plausibly the \u003cstrong data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"485\"\u003eYasuchika line\u003c\/strong\u003e. The decoration is unified by the continuous motif of \u003cstrong data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"564\"\u003egourd vines (hyōtan)\u003c\/strong\u003e, rendered with confident relief modelling and an elegant sense of rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"1113\"\u003eThe warm, golden tone of the sentoku ground contrasts harmoniously with the deep blue-black shakudō leaves and the bright gold gourds. The carving is lively and naturalistic: curling tendrils flow across the surfaces in a measured, calligraphic movement, while leaf veins and transitions are indicated with subtle, controlled lines rather than excessive detail. The modelling remains crisp and three-dimensional, giving the fittings strong presence without appearing heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1115\" data-end=\"1540\"\u003eIn Japanese visual culture, the gourd is an auspicious symbol associated with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1247\"\u003eabundance, good fortune, longevity, and protection\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its links to travelling monks and Daoist imagery add connotations of spiritual resilience and the containment of protective forces. The continuously branching vine reinforces this message through its sense of vitality and sustained growth—an especially appropriate theme for sword mountings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"2274\"\u003eFrom a kantei perspective, the use of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1580\" data-end=\"1591\"\u003esentoku\u003c\/strong\u003e, the carefully matured surface, the asymmetrical placement of motifs, and the expressive handling of mixed-metal accents correspond well to the stylistic vocabulary of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1790\"\u003emid- to late-Edo Nara work\u003c\/strong\u003e, particularly Yasuchika-influenced pieces. The relief modelling is confident, and the balance between ornament and open ground is handled with restraint—features that often distinguish the mainline Nara\/Yasuchika taste from more provincial offshoots. In comparison, \u003cstrong data-start=\"2057\" data-end=\"2067\"\u003eShōnai\u003c\/strong\u003e work derived from Nara traditions tends to show flatter modelling and a more rustic simplification of plant motifs; the sophistication and balance seen here align more strongly with the Yasuchika tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2276\" data-end=\"2516\"\u003eOverall, this fuchi–kashira pair represents a refined example of Edo-period Nara metalwork, centred on a powerful and auspicious \u003cstrong data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2420\"\u003ehyōtan-vine\u003c\/strong\u003e theme and executed with the elegant technical assurance characteristic of the Yasuchika school.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: DE;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eAntique. Edo. Original from Japan. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"www.nihonto.art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57092996104457,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0885\/6734\/9513\/files\/1_b7d93c91-5286-4c4a-b4b2-b03aafc79ea8.png?v=1779731982","url":"https:\/\/nihonto.art\/fr\/products\/tsuba-edo-most-probably-yasuchika-fuchi-kashira-1","provider":"www.nihonto.art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}