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Yamamoto Family Heirloom
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Yamamoto Family Heirloom
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| Provenance: Elliott D. Long | $2000.00 |
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"A set of two kogai: one with a copper nanako pattern and a paulownia crest, and the other with a silver background and paulownia and chrysanthemum crests. Both are exquisitely crafted in an antique style, and the period paulownia wood box bears an inscription stating that it was passed down through the Hashiba Chikuzen-no-kami Hair Kakiyama family and is now housed in the main hall of the Shinto sect. "Hashiba Chikuzen-no-kami" refers to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the unifier of Japan, and "Yamamoto family" is presumed to be the family of Sakagami Yoriyasu (Yamamoto Zentayu), who served Hideyoshi. Dates to the Muromachi period." (E. Long) |
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Based on the inscription on its storage box, the item has the following historical background: • Original Ownership: The items are associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi—the prominent daimyo who unified Japan during the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods. The box features an inscription referencing his historical name and title, "Hashiba Chikuzen-no-kami". • Family Provenance: The set was passed down through the Yamamoto family. This is presumed to be the family of Sakagami Yoriyasu (Yamamoto Zentayu), a historical figure who served under Hideyoshi. • Later Preservation: The inscription indicates that at some point, the items were housed in the main hall of a Shinto sect. • Era and Craftsmanship: The objects date back to the Muromachi period and are styled after classic old Goto-school metalwork. They feature significant historical motifs, including a copper piece with a paulownia crest and a silver piece with both chrysanthemum and paulownia crests—symbols deeply tied to imperial authority and Hideyoshi's regime. Hashiba Chikuzen-no-kami Hideyoshi (はしば ちくぜんのかみ ひでよし) is a samurai warlord who was active from the Sengoku period to the Azuchi-Momoyama period, and later became the ruler of Japan (tenkabito), referring to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He began using this official title (zuryomei) around the 3rd year of Tensho (1575), adopting it regardless of any actual ruling connection to Chikuzen Province (modern-day Fukuoka Prefecture). Origin and Evolution of the Name (名前の由来と変遷) • Kinoshita Tokichiro (木下藤吉郎) The name he used during his youth, around the time he first began serving his lord, Oda Nobunaga. • Hashiba Hideyoshi (羽柴秀吉) A surname created by taking one kanji character each from the surnames of Shibata Katsuie (柴田) and Niwa Nagahide (丹羽), who were senior retainers of the Oda family. • Chikuzen-no-kami (筑前守) An official title (zuryomei) that he assumed (or was appointed to) following Nobunaga's expansion of power and his own rise in status, rather than being an actual official post within the Imperial Court. He used this title until around the 12th year of Tensho (1584). Bottom Image Inscription The handwritten kanji on the wooden box lid reads:羽柴筑前守御髪懸 (Hashiba Chikuzen-no-kami o-kamigake) Translation: "The Hair Ornaments of Hashiba Chikuzen-no-kami" (E. Long) |
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A Collaboration of Robert E. Haynes and Elliott D. Long |
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| Return To Tsuba Collective Robert Haynes / Elliott Long Articles -- Tutorial Email elliott@shibuiswords.com |