Split signature: Ichiju - GINZA SEIKODO JAPANESE ART, SWORDS, & TSUBA SINCE MEIJI PERIOD

PRODUCT Split signature: Ichiju
Peony motif

Split signature: Ichiju Peony motif PRICE JP￥900,000-: NBTHK Hozon Certificate

Fukui Ichiju was born in 1836 in Hachijo, a village in Tajima province. He was the third son of Nishiuchi Gunbei, a retainer of the Toyooka clan and a magistrate of construction projects for the Kyogoku family. He was adopted into the Fukui family while a youth, and began service of his master at the age of 18 but upon turning 20, he resigned his stipend and traveled to Kyoto to study under Hashimoto Isshi. In 1861, he traveled to Edo to apprentice under Ichijo, returning to Kyoto the following year. In 1868, he went back to Edo where he established himself in the Gazenbo district of Azabu.
This piece is one of the few extant works by Ichiju, displaying a magnificent depiction of peonies in gold. If not for laws banning swords in the Meiji period, Ichiju would undoubtedly have become a foremost metal craftsman.

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