Iwamoto Hirotoshi (kaō) Chicken and Child Fuchi Kashira
岩本寛利（花押）親子鶏図縁頭
Item TS018

• Period: Edo Period

• Designation: Hozon

• Signature: Iwamoto Hirotoshi (Kao) 岩本寛利（花押）

• Material: Shakudō ground finished with fine nanako punching

• Fuchi Kashira: Parent and Chicks Design
  ‍ ‍親子鶏図縁頭

  • Fuchi Measurements：3.7cm x 2.2cm

  • Kashira Measurements: 3.3cm x 1.7cm

Price: ¥ 350,000

This fine set of fuchi kashira depicts a charming oyako dori, or parent and chicks, composition and is the work of Iwamoto Hirotoshi, bearing both his signature and kaō. The subject is rendered with considerable character, showing the parent bird accompanied by its chicks in a natural and intimate scene.

The fittings are constructed on a finely worked shakudō nanakoji ground, its dark surface providing an elegant backdrop for the contrasting decoration. The birds are executed with shibuichi suemon, creating raised applied elements with a softer silver grey tone against the shakudō. Further details are enriched through zōgan and kin iroe, with carefully placed gold accents highlighting the plumage and smaller elements of the composition. The combination of different alloys, textures, and colours gives the relatively small scene an impressive degree of depth and visual interest.

The subject of a parent bird accompanied by its young is particularly appealing within Japanese decorative art. Rather than relying upon an overtly martial theme, the design presents a peaceful scene of nature and family life. The attentive parent surrounded by its chicks creates a composition associated with familial affection, care, and prosperity, while also demonstrating the ability of the metalworker to transform an everyday natural subject into sophisticated sword furniture.

The set is signed Iwamoto Hirotoshi with kaō, identifying the maker with the Iwamoto school, an important Edo period tradition of kinkō metalwork known for highly accomplished pictorial designs and sophisticated use of soft metal alloys.