Fukawa Kazunori Tsuba
於袖止ヶ浦邊 一則鐫（花押）黒岩氏ノ応需 岩窟猛虎図
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon
Published : "Shinsen Kinko Meikan" by Kokubo Kenichi in 1993
Published : Kokusai Tosogu Kai 2020
Published : "Signatures of Japanese Sword Fittings Artists" by Markus Sesko 2019

Tsuba
Signed: Oite Sodedomegaura hotori (At Sodedomegaura's edge), Kazunori horu (kao)
Kuroiwa-shi no ojyu (Requested by Mr. Kuroiwa) Gankutsu Moko Zu (Tiger of the cave) motif
Tetsu-ji, kin, gin, shakudo, zogan
Dimensions: 83.3 mm (h), 79.8 mm (w), 4.57 mm (t, max), 3.30 mm (t, seppa-dai)
Circa: Late Edo period (19th century)

This is an iron tsuba by the first generation Fukawa Kazunori. He was born in 1824, the third son of Fukawa Shigejiro, who was a writer of gesaku. Kazunori began his artistic journey as a painter. He entered an apprenticeship with the renowned artist, Katsushika Hokusai, at the age of 12. His studies continued until 1849, when Hokusai passed away. After that time, Kazunori began to study tosogu under To Masutsune. Masutsune's teacher was Goto Shinjo, the 15th Goto Mainline Master. Kazunori's skill was immediately applauded by critics and he dedicated himself to tosogu from that time onward. His first tosogu mei was Tsuneyuki. He began to sign his works with his mature mei of Kazunori in 1854. He enjoyed a successful career and his line continued for two more generations. Kazunori passed away in 1876 at the age of 53.

Kazunori's early work shows the Goto flavor of his teacher's roots. However, he soon was inspired by popular styles of the late Edo period. We can see a very clear Toryusai inspiration in this guard. The composition of the elements, patina of the iron and realistic takabori carving all show a Toryusai influence. The same can be noted by the kuchibeni ("lip stick") style sekigane at the top and bottom of the nakago-ana.

Kazunori is a well renowned maker. He is considered the leading artist of the Fukawa mon (school) and ranked at the Ryoko level by Wakayama. This particular tsuba was published on page 30 of the book "Shinsen Kinko Meikan" by Kokubo Kenichi in 1993, published in the 2020 Kokusai Tosogu Kai catalog and in Markus Sesko's "Signatures of Japanese Sword Fittings Aartists". This tsuba holds a high position among Kazunori's best efforts and is of considerable empirical importance. A fantastic oppertunity to own a master-work.

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