Dewa Akita Jū Shigehiro 出羽秋田住重廣 Shoami School
Tsuba Three Tomoe Design
Item No. TS006

Price: ¥ 950,000

The Shoami family had many branches throughout Japan, with skilled tsuba craftsmen emerging in various regions. The maker of this tsuba, Shoami Denbei, is recognized as the founder of the Akita Shoami School. His real name was Suzuki Shigeyoshi, born in 1651 (Keian 4).

When he was 18 years old, Denbei traveled to Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to train under the Edo Shoami School. After completing his apprenticeship, he was granted permission to use the Shoami name, a prestigious honor. Upon returning to Akita, he became the official artisan for Satake Yoshizumi, the third lord of the Kubota domain. Under his leadership, the Akita Shoami School grew in prominence, and Denbei became renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship.

The Akita Shoami School is best known for its sturdy iron tsuba with bold sukashi (openwork) designs. Compared to other Shoami branches, Akita tsuba tend to be thicker and more robust, reflecting a more practical, warrior-like style. Denbei's tsuba, in particular, are admired for their attention to detail and bold, creative compositions. Some of his works are even compared to modern abstract art, due to their innovative and artistic expressions.