Fuchi Kashira - Hamano Naoyasu 濵堅直保

This fuchi-kashira set is a refined example of late-Edo metalwork from the Hamano School, known for its elegant nanako ground and high-relief gold details.
The fuchi features a fine nanako-ji surface with delicately carved waves and reeds accented in gold, displaying the school’s characteristic balance between subtle texture and vivid ornamentation.

The kashira shows a seated figure in richly decorated robes, executed in shakudō with gold takabori (high-relief carving). The gold patterns on the clothing are typical of Hamano craftsmanship, highlighting expressive character work and lively modeling. The combination of the textured background and the richly gilded carving gives the piece a dynamic yet harmonious visual impression.

Overall, the set demonstrates the Hamano School’s strengths: technical precision, tasteful use of precious metals, and expressive figural motifs.

Signature: Reading and Translation

The inscription on the underside appears to read approximately:

濵堅直保

Hamakata / Hamakane Naoyasu (approximate reading)

Because Edo-period signatures vary greatly in style, the exact reading of personal names can differ, but the characters mean:

濵 – Hama (as in Hamano School)

堅 – Ken / Kane

直 – Nao

保 – Yasu / Ho

Translation (literal):

“Hama-Kane Nao-Yasu” (the personal name of the maker)

“Made by (the craftsman) Hamano-school artist Naoyasu.”

Two pieces - photographed by different angles.

Dimensions: Kashira 31,3 mm x 18,5 mm x 8,6 mm, 9,0 g (outter dimension)
                                 28,8 mm x  13,5 mm x 6,0 mm (inner dimension)

Dimensions: Fuchi    37,0 mm x  21,8 mm x 13,4 mm 21,7 g (outter dimension)
                                 33,0 mm x  17,7 mm x 10,7 mm (inner dimension)

Antique. Original from Japan