Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

The founder, Jakushi I (Kizayemon), of Nagasaki in Hizen, was originally a painter, chiefly of Chinese scenery in the manner of the later Ch’in Dynasty, who later translated his graphic work into metal. The miniature landscapes characteristic of his style are produced by an initial etching of the iron ground, which is then finished with chisel-work and enlivened with figures and other details in minute incrustation of the soft metals or in nunome overlay of gold graduated in thickness so as to resemble washes of the precious metal. Another favourite subject is the dragon amid clouds, boldly conceived in the Chinese manner.

Jakushi I took the Buddhist vows, whence his signature Kiyō-sanjin, “Hermit of Nagasaki”. His son, Jakushi II, surpassed him in ability and several imitators met with varying success. The work of the Tanaka (Tōriūsai), has characteristics in common with that of the present group.

N.B. – The usual Jakushi technique just described is to be understood in the first four guards.

Tsuba with lake scene (EAX.10836)    Tsuba with lake scene (EAX.10837)    Tsuba with lake scene (EAX.10838)

Mokkō-shaped tsuba with dragon amid clouds (EAX.10839)    Tsuba depicting a swimming crane (EAX.10840)    Tsuba with figures in a landscape (EAX.10841)