-Tōsōgu, 51st Session — Designated October 13, 2005
, : Iwamoto Konju (岩本昆寿)
Measurements
- Dai (large): height 7.45 cm; width 7.12 cm; rim thickness 0.36 cm
- Shō (small): height 7.14 cm; width 6.79 cm; rim thickness 0.36 cm
Description Form: (vertical oval) Material: ; with areas of Construction: — Design: tiger in a bamboo grove (take ni tora zu) Decoration: , sukishita-bori, and in combination; and polychrome inlay () in gold, silver, and Rim: , : two openings; on the dai both are fitted with gold plugs Signature: “Iwamoto Konju” with
Artisan Iwamoto Konju. He lived at Kōjimachi in and was active as a pupil of the renowned master Konkan. His manner resembles Konkan’s: the chisel lines are taut and controlled, and his approach to frequently employs inlay-based methods.
Era Mid- period.
Explanation This is a pair of depicting a tiger in a bamboo grove, executed on a ground through the combined use of , sukishita-bori, and . The bamboo grove continues from the front to the reverse; on the reverse, bamboo is arranged densely, without leaving gaps. By rendering the central stalk thick while depicting those to left and right more slender, the artist creates spatial recession and convincingly conveys the depth of a luxuriant, thickly grown bamboo thicket.
The carefully controlled chiselwork fully demonstrates the maker’s high technical level. In both design conception and carving execution, the piece shows a notably high degree of completion, and stands as an excellent work among Konju’s productions.
