Silver kozuka signed "Watanabe Issei" with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu. While we do not know Watanabe Issei date of birth and death we know he was still active in 1872. He was an adopted son of Hayashi Masamitsu however later moved to Edo and became a student of Funada Ikkin. At the age of 38 he moved to Aizu and became a retainer of Tokugawa Shogunate.
Decorated with Four Gentleman, or Four Noble Ones. This refers to plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum. The Four Gentlemen are a recurring theme in art because of their long history as symbols of traditional virtues such as uprightness, purity, humility, and perseverance despite harsh conditions. Each of them represent a different season (the plum blossom for winter, the orchid for spring, the bamboo for summer, and the chrysanthemum for autumn), the four are used to depict the unfolding of the seasons through the year.
Front is made of silver with high relief shakudo. Revere is made of shakudo and carved with the interpretation of kosuki bori. Technique of his master Funada Ikkin. I find the reverse side of this piece to be particularly beautiful.
Size: 97 mm x 9 mm x 4 mm
In custom made kiri box.
