Classical Japanese Metal work (Tsuba)

[Patrick Hastings]

Hi everyone,

I am back from England (been back a couple weeks) where I spent three weeks apprenticing in Ford Hallam’s humble shop. I am very glad I made the leap of faith and took him up on his invite. I learned in three weeks what would have been years worth of toil on my own. Not that I ever would have worked some of this out without his generous help. Ford is what Forumites would call a Die Hard Traditionalist. He does everything Traditionally. Not because its tradition persay, but because in the end it produces the best work in context. “Traditional” is a weighted term full of strange implications. Ford and I call it Classical Japanese Metal work. Meaning it is done with the same tools, materials, and techniques, but Draws on hundreds of different “traditional” things that occurred throughout the history of Japanese metal work. For now my new classical work will be to copy quality existing pieces. Or at least draw elements from them. This is the best way for me to learn. I know the basics now, but now each piece I do will help teach my hands a new word for my artistic vocabulary. One day I will make a poem of my own, but in the mean time I must learn the language (so to speak)

I learned three words while I was there.

Here is my first word…

And the back side. with inlaid gold Seal.

You can see the other two here and read more about them.Classical gallery

Edited November 15, 2005 by Patrick Hastings

[JM Wands]

Ahhhhh,,, that is as fabulous a piece of art a commoner like me can appreciate. Thanks for sharing,,

jm

Edited November 15, 2005 by JM Wands

[JM Wands]

actually,, I havent the experience or expertise to fully appreciate it,,, thanks none-the-less,,,

jm

[Patrick Hastings]

actually,, I havent the experience or expertise to fully appreciate it,,, thanks none-the-less,,,

jm

34820[/snapback]

 

I appreciate the thought, but if you like it I am happy:)

[Dean McKay]

Beautiful Work Patrick.

I especially like the inlay.

[DFogg]

That is really wonderful Patrick, I like everything about it. :35:

[Hÿllyn]

Well Patrick knows how I feel about it, and how much I would like to access a course like the one he has been into seeing as I'm in Britain too, you can imagine why, this kind of work is just awe inspiring.

 

Not that his work wasn't already fabulous but now has gained even more depth with his newly acquired techniques :35:

Edited November 15, 2005 by Hÿllyn

[DGentile]

Amazing work mate!

 

I love it.... it's so "simple" and so nice... the lines are gorgeous...

Only being curious, for how much would one like these go for?

 

Dan

[Jeff Pringle]

Ohiyo gozaimas, that's nice!

In the field of metal craft, the traditional japanese stuff is amazing in its elegance and attention to detail, you've picked a challenging road to walk down (oops, I switched metaphor) - looks like you're up to the challenge, too!

Way to go :35:

[Jim Kelso]

Beautiful work, Patrick. Looks like the Ford spark hit dry tinder. :35:

Edited November 16, 2005 by Jim Kelso

[tsterling]

Nice work, Patrick. We are going to see some beginner tutorials about how to do what Ford taught you, aren't we? <Strong Hint!> Otherwise, I suspect there are going to be a lot of folks camped out at Ford's house...

[Phillip Jones]

Gorgeous work, Patrick.

 

Looks like you made a wise decision to go study with him.

I look forward to seeing your future works.

[mete]

The Japanese have an excellent understanding that there is elegance in simplicity. I think those three tsubas have captured that !

[tonn]

Looked at gallery too but one you posted is my favorite! So simple and elegant!

I am allready designed a tsuba for my first katana and now you make me to rethink my ideas

[Joss]

Lovely Patrick!

[Giuseppe Maresca]

I like it a lot. It is very essencial and beautiful.