The withered but strong trunk of a plum tree made in black shakudo covers the copper base ground of the Fuchi. We can see closed and blooming plum blossoms on a branch marking the first signs of spring just before the Cherry trees start to bloom. Another branch covers the Kashira and creates the impression that the top branches of the tree reach from the Fuchi up to the Kashira. The ground is covered with a typical Ishime created by a small triangular Tagane. A small creek is running under the tree, depicted on the back of the Fuchi. The blossoms are highlighted in silver and some gold inlaid grass is added to the background.
Masayoshi was the first son of Hamano Masanobu and the 5th master of the Hamano school the founder of which was the famous Hamano Shozui. With his creative and somewhat non-conformist designs Shozui had significent influence on the aesthetics of sword fittings. His workmanship was carried forward by Kaneyuki (2nd generation), Nobuyuki (3rd generation), Masanobu (4th generation), and finally Hamano Masayoshi till the late Edo period. The given Fuchi-Kashira is not only a beautiful example of his work but also an important reference being dated to the year 1845 and signed ‘Miboku nan Masayoshi (Kao)’. The piece is published in ‘Markus Sesko – Signatures of Japanese Sword Fittings Artists’.
Comes with the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate and a custom fitted high quality Kiri wood box.
Fuch: 3.8 cm x 2.2 cm x 1.2 cm
Kashira: 3.4 cm x 1.9 cm x 0.8 cm
