Description

(Mei) Hagiya Kappei (Gold Seal) Kagekatsu Monjizukushi-zu Tsuba Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu The jitegu is iron with a migaki-ji finish. The shape is mokko-gata with an uchikaeshi-mimi. The design features "Ritsu-zu Kaede, Sumiyoshi Matsu" on the omote, and "Tokai Kyoku, Fuji Yuki, Yoshino Sakura" on the ura. While simple, the carving is robust, and the calligraphy style uses distinct variations in line thickness to create a unique typeface. The meaning behind the scattered characters suggests a composition intended to evoke the landscapes found in waka poetry. Hagiya Kappei was a grandmaster of Mito kinko from the late Edo period through the Meiji era. Born in the first year of Bunka, he became a goyo-horimonoshi (official carver) for the Mito Clan and produced many disciples. He utilized takabori techniques to carve Japanese and Chinese figures, as well as flora and fauna. He passed away in the 19th year of Meiji. His go was Seiryoken; his mei include Hagiya Kappei (kao), Seiryoken Hagiya Kappei (kao), Suifu-ju Hagiya Kappei (kao), etc. Nagasa × Yokohaba: 8.4cm × 7.8cm Kasane: 0.9cm Metal Smith: Hagiya Kappei (Mito metal school) Design: Filling Chinese letters Paper: Tokubetsu Hozon (Issued by NBTHK) Depth × Width: 8.4cm × 7.8cm Thickness: 0.9cm