Catalog record · 目録番号 22719

The Swordsmith Okazaki Goro Masamune

Catalog note / 解説

This 'uchiwa-e' (rigid fan print) design by Hiroshige is from a series depicting legendary artisans. Ryukatei Tanekazu provided the text inscriptions. Here Hiroshige depicts the great swordsmith Masamune forging a sword with the help of an assistant. His formal dress and the hangings across the doorway indicate the rituals associated with making swords. The text relates that Masamune was born in Kamakura in Sagami Province (modern Kanagawa Prefecture) in the first year of the Bun'ei era (1264). It says that at the age of 17 he left the workshop of his father Yukimitsu to train with Shintogo Kunimitsu. So great were his skills that he became famous throughout the land. Any swordsmith worthy…

Image record / 画像情報

VAM · 1843-1847 · vam

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