This piece is a fine kozuka crafted by Iwama Shinro, a metalworker of the HamanoIwama school active in the late Edo period.
Shinro studied carving techniques under Iwama Seiro of Yonezawa. He was originally known as Masahiro, but later changed his name to Shinro by combining the character “Shin” from Hamano Nobuyuki and “Ro” from Seiro. He used several art names, including Yufuken, Yokodo, Ikkesha, Kio, and Rojuso. He was a distinguished master who was granted the ranks of Hokkyo and later Hogen, and is recorded to have been alive at the age of 76 in 1878 (Meiji 11). His style is characterized by high-relief carving enriched with various colored metals, typical of the HamanoIwama tradition.
The base material is high-quality shibuichi, finished in a refined polished surface, upon which a meticulously executed high-relief figure is rendered.
The design depicts a figure. The figure strides forward while proudly raising a banner, with flowing drapery lines that create a strong sense of volume and movement. The facial expression and gestures are carefully carved down to the finest details, demonstrating both delicacy and strength.
Particularly noteworthy is the symbolic composition. The banner bears a chrysanthemum crest, clearly representing the Imperial family, while the garment of the figure is adorned with the Kuy crest.
This composition—of a warrior bearing the Kuy crest raising the Imperial emblem—suggests more than a simple genre scene. It likely symbolizes loyalty and allegiance to the Imperial authority. Considering the historical context of the late Edo period, it may have been created to commemorate events related to the rise of imperial reverence or the Restoration.
Gold is effectively applied to the chrysanthemum crest and key elements of the costume, creating an elegant contrast against the subdued shibuichi ground. The restrained yet refined use of colored metals exemplifies the artist’s mastery.
The reverse side is also decorated with a simple yet tasteful figure, giving the piece a cohesive, narrative quality.
The signature “Shinro” is clearly inscribed, and the condition remains generally excellent. This is a superb work that fully embodies the spirit and high level of craftsmanship of late Edo metalwork.
如因下列事件引致運送過程中導致貨品毀損、延遲,Jumppoint 皆不負任何責任︰
i. 包裝不穩固或未作加強而引致有破裂、毀損;
ii. 貨品性質為易燃、爆炸、發霉、腐壞、變色等;
iii. 易碎物品沒有標貼上「易碎標籤」;
iv. 無法預知或不可抗力因素,如交通事故、惡劣天氣情況等引起之阻礙或延遲;
v. 收件人聯絡電話不正確或無效等等。