Utsushi - in search of Katsuhira's tiger. Part 2

[jamkabi]

These videos were so interesting, amazing to watch

[bryangrossman]

I have always loved metal work in all its forms... To take raw material and then quite literally bend it to your will and create something like this... amazing. I am humbled by the level of skill and care being displayed here.... I am quite jealous sir. It must be very satisfying to rejoice in the completion of a piece like this.... You are truly a master at your art.... It's sad that skills like these are disappearing.... I also wanted to add that the filming of this was VERY well done!!

[archer82633]

I never tire watching a master at work absolutely amazing.

one question are the tiger stripes a different metal or a different proses?

[ironbrush]

@archer82633 Thank you, It's good to hear you enjoy watching the film. The stripes are a different alloy to the body of the tiger. This difference in metal composition is what gives the different colours when I treat the finished piece in the copper salt bath at the end.

[SamuRyan858]

Wow, I just finished watching it and watching parts of it twice. Amazing skill. I have a question: Does the artist shown here Ford Hallam, sign his own name and just his name, or does he say whom he copies?

[ironbrush]

@SamuRyan858 Glad you enjoyed it enough to watch twice :-) This piece is signed with own usual signature on the left and on the right I've chiselled "utsushi Hagia Katsuhira " (a copy of) who was the artists who made the missing tsuba I attempted to replicate.

[6shige9]

impressive!

歩王道=FORD?

walking on the king's way (the way of virtue)

that's such a cool name, Ford. (^.☆)b

[ironbrush]

@6shige9 Hi, yes that's the meaning of the signature I use. As you probably know the phonetic ON reading of these kanji sounds close to Ford, Fo O Do. My teacher, Izumi Sensei selected these kanji for me to use when I first went to Japan to study with him in 1993. It is pretty cool and auspicious, isn't it? :-) I hope I can live up to the meaning.

[6shige9]

@ironbrush Yeah, it is cool and auspicious. Izumi sensei must be talented for naming too, eh? You've already been living up to the meaning since you received the name. That's what name is. You are walking on the right way.

これからも頑張ってください！ 応援しています。^ ^

[putankaat]

This is my kind of crazy! I love this, it makes me very happy to see someone really try to do their best! Mad good work!

[ironbrush]

@putankaat Cheers, yes, I suppose it's a special kind of crazy. It keeps me occupied though and out of trouble ;-) Glad you enjoyed the film and thanks for the kind compliment.

[AlecRyanBarnett]

i am in awe of your talent. also the documentary was very well shot. it really let someone like me who didnt know the amount of detail and effort was put into tsubas. i feel i now appreciate it as you do

[ironbrush]

@AlecRyanBarnett Thanks for the kind compliments. I'm pleased the film offered a glimpse into my world :-)

[jacob33kim]

I have a question regarding rubbing charcoal into carvings. Is that to polish up the negative space or is it for some other purpose? Also, how would you go about polishing up horimono (if you know). Thank you and please keep making more works of art!

[btb103]

Do you collect all the shavings to be melted down and reused later?

[ironbrush]

@btb103 Yes, all the scraps of metal and filings are collected and refined or remelted for later use. Goldsmiths throughout history have always been big on recycling ;-)

[chulo113]

impressed

[MrJohnFisherJr81]

Rodan would be envious =)



[JWbrasser]

watched this a bunch of times now and i cant get over just how AWESOME that piece of work is... I mean geez!

[galahad1st]

I would not be able to appreciate a piece like this without seeing the effort that goes into making it. Course, I don't really have an eye for metal working. Either way, I like your style jack!

[youtubasoarus]

Absolutely jaw dropping. The patience, precision and care that went into that. Very inspirational.

[Jungiebumper]

Sweet Jesus, this is amazing. I was hypnotized throughout the whole video.

[JoyFunnell]

Stunning work. So inspirational to watch. Thank you :)

[helicrashpro]

I am in complete aw. That is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, and the main reason is the fact you showed what made this amazing piece what it is.

[Z3uS2]

Incredible! Amazing work.

[itsumonihon]

god that is so cool. unbelievable skill

[lorahart56]

What a miracle of artistry and craftsmanship. Thank you for this gift.

[Nerolista]

How do you manage to part with your work after spending so long making it?

[ironbrush]

@Nerolista I rarely feel all that attached to my work by the time I've finished it. Partly, I think, because I was trained as a goldsmith in the trade right at the start of my career. My perspective has always been one of making for others. The other aspect that influences how I feel is that each piece is a stepping stone for me and I'm impatient to move on to the next challenge or area I want to investigate and explore. For me it's essentially about the experience of making.

[HoseBeats]

I typically don't have the patience to watch a full 30 min of YouTube videos. I watched these back to back without moving. They have also been bookmarked so I can check them out when I need to slow down.

[fixinman]

This is incredible, but one thing I don't understand, Why did you polish the piece before you carved it, It seems pointless.

[ironbrush]

@fixinman Only by polishing the metal and patinating it as I did am I able to check the true colour of the alloy and the distribution of the silver particles in the copper matrix. It also allows me to examine the surface for any flaws. If the surface is not this finely finished it's easy to miss possible problem areas in the metal and these could ruin the final work. I do actually mention this at 5:45 in the film.

[fixinman]

@ironbrush That is fascinating, and makes a lot of sense. I am amazed at the skill level that when into this, but wonder who owned the Katana originaly? It must have been a lord because just the tsuba alone must be worth a fortune. I can't see an ordinary samurai being able to afford it.

[MichiganFlyfisher]

One of the most incredible displays of craftsmanship i have ever seen. Your attention to detail is astounding. You have inspired me like few others ever have. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world.

[morgey19]

That was amazing to watch. Thank you

[a7i20ci7y]

Astonishing.  I think you'd make Katsuhira proud.

[xflashahh]

Good lord, this is incredible. I'm absolutely speechless.

[nevzilla]

Beautiful, the final peace is amazing, but the video it self is just beautiful I could have sat there and watched you do the fur on the entire piece it was relaxing just listening to the hammer well the fur came to life.

[jeremysale]

Such a beautiful and worthy video of an incredible undertaking. Hats off to all involved. How do you let such an object out of your hands?

[wisgliebau]

Absolutely phenomenal. By the middle of the second video I began to weep tears of joy, quite literally, while trying to comprehend the passion and patience involved in this process. Only a person who loves art at the utmost could possibly create such a magnificent piece. Incredible!

[lilldiesel]

Just because I'm curious what would you be looking for in an apprentice?

Patience?

Existing skill?

Potential?

Personality?

Something completely different?

[ironbrush]

@lilldiesel

I suppose the first thing would be some sort of compatibility with me and the way I do things. Spending all day everyday together can be a bit tiresome if personalities clash. :-)

It doesn't take long to establish whether someone has "intelligent hands" and if they might have the potential to nurture into a great craftsman and maybe even eventually an artist but only a short probation period in the studio will allow me to make any sort of decision.

[sanpogiri777]

Good heavens this is just incredible workmanship! I find it hard to believe that skills such as this are still retained by people in the 21st century! The video is so beautifully executed too. Wonderful stuff.

[zodiacoazul23]

work master

[Acerbjorn]

This was mesmerizing.

[ironbrush]

Thank you, everyone, for your appreciation. I'm pleased our film has captured your imagination. :-)

[Gnawnivek]

woahh, I was planning on skipping a head, but somehow i just couldn't move. Like joxer96 said, just mesmerized

Amazing is all I can say

[charlesian2000]

I am totally blown away.

The only thing I can criticise is that the new piece looks new... as if the original master made it yesterday.

Ford you are truely a master.

[joxer96]

Absolutely amazing. What a way to be introduced to this form of art. My son and I sat here mesmerized the whole time. Thank you so much for sharing.

[QuietandSimple10]

You are an inspiration to beginning metalworkers in the Nipponese tradition. I am a beginning bladesmith, but it's not the steel that intimidates me. It's the koshirae.

[hephaistos2]

Your video is the more interesting I had the chance to see for weeks !

Thank you for sharing. your job is just amazing

both the best of art and craftmanship

[Shinyokai]

Unbelieveable..... I am speechless. I have always marveled at really outstanding tsuba but now to marvel is not enough. My gratitude and undying admiration sir.

[NihontoMessageBoard]

This is beyond amazing. The passion and skill involved are almost beyond comprehension. I would love to watch more of your work, I find it mesmerizing. One can study and collect Tosogu, but until you watch a master at work, none of it is really going to sink in properly. Kudos, and please give us more when available.

[NihontoMessageBoard]

This is beyond amazing. The passion and skill involved are almost beyond comprehension. I would love to watch more of your work, I find it mesmerizing. One can study and collect Tosogu, but until you watch a master at work, none of it is really going to sink in properly. Kudos, and please give us more when available.

[jodohead]

Un

Real



[qeslah]

Exquisite! Thank you for sharing.

[lfsabch]

all i can say is wow, i coulda watched it every second you put into this, how many hours would a project like this take?

[ariellalvarez]

Un hermoso trabajo de arte, un gran saludo desde Mexico!

[kekeke01]

What grade of silver and gold did you use?

[twistcut]

Inspirational, truly inspirational. Craftsmanship at it's highest level. Viewing you at work has given my day a wonderful start. Thank you.

[zephyrwords]

Your work is some of the greatest art I've ever seen. Thanks so much for these videos and congratulations on all of your accomplishments.

[3000dives]

Incredible! I have never witnessed anything like this before. Simply amazing. Bravo!

[BordersSika]

WOW. You certainly pulled it off. I salute your skills sir. This has to be the two best youtube video's for me. Thank you so much.

I am trying to master the art of engraving, have all the latest air controlled & palm controlled gravers. I can not believe you did that with a hammer. I am in awe of your skills.

[sampsonz]

excellent skill and amazing patience

[XorLavir]

>I watched it all, was glued to the monitor!

I wish it didn't end. The process of creation and the skill of creator are so mesmerizing, so my mirror neurons want to absorb all the data, as if someday it will be lifesaving for me.

P.S. When I was kid, I made a plywood rack and my fretsaw broke many times. So in the moment when he saw a metal piece so nice and gently I almost cried. :-P

[Lightningz1]

Wow, I'm amazed what an artist you are. I only have a couple questions, do you work in japan? How long have you been in your practice?

[raepood]

I watched it all, was glued to the monitor!

[HurlyBurly3027]

wow

[ironbrush]

Thanks very much for the kind comments everyone. Much appreciated.

...and yes, I do need an apprentice but finding someone who can put up with me for 5 years may prove difficult. ;-)

[jumpinjax2]

@ironbrush Having lost my mentor less than a year into apprenticeship, I am prepared to risk anything. You do fantastic work, bravo.

[TIGER10058]

Remarkable! Actually gave me goose bumps. Need an apprentice??

[adexx00]

Amaaaaazing!!!

[aflatminor]

OH WoW!!

That is simply amazing..

Many thanks for posting this work of art !!....

[ironbrush]

Thank you everyone, for your kind comments. Much appreciated.

Hello Robin,

I really enjoyed your website and the links to the Kesurokai events. I posted a topic about your work and the Japan links on our forum.

[robinturns]

wonderful I love the idea of Utsushi "don't seek to copy the ancients, rather seek what they sought". How different from our art worlds obsession with the innovative.

Thank you.

[VanguardDAiur]

Amazing skill. A combination of small steps made a masterpiece.

[tomxana]

Stunning job !

Impressive. Absolutely amazed by this tsuba...

Very well done.

[tomifobia]

Stunning...

[kenneth1950]

I am totally amazed at your dedication and skill.

[AlexSelus]

Amazing work. That tsuba is simply beautiful.

Is that a body of shibuichi with shakudo inlay?