Utsushi - in search of Katsuhira's tiger. Part 2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2025
- A short documentary film that follows classical Japanese metal artist Ford Hallam as he recreates a lost masterpiece by the 19th century Mito tsuba artist, Hagia Katsuhira. The project and filming was funded by Mr Bob Morrison and took place from June to October 2009.
You can follow Ford and contact him directly at / fordhallam
Subscribe from $5 per month and watch much more like this, ask him for instructional videos you need, questions you have, get access to unseen footage of his work, tips and tricks for japanese metalwork, jewellery, and watch beautiful restoration work videos.
Ford is also on instagram / fordhallam_metal_artist
Filmed and directed by Brad Schaffer
www.bradshawsch...
Produced by Richard Moerdyk and Fixer Film
www.fixerfilm.com/
For more details about the project please visit my blog spot here;
followingtheiro...
To learn more about the techniques of classical Japanese decorative metalwork please visit our forum;
www.followingth...
We also have available for download text files of the audio in French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Greek and German.
You'll find them on our forum here;
www.followingth...
To see more of Ford's work please visit fordhallam.com/
The single greatest hurdle to over come is the way we view time. Everything we do today is on a tight schedule and all our bills must be paid every 4 weeks. This has a crippling effect on our ability to create remarkable things. Working outside of time takes a bit of getting used to but it's the only way to develop the patience and stamina to really do your best work. It's a matter of giving yourself time.
I watched the entire thing thinking.... Jesus the patience involved!! Then I read your description..... never truer words
Thank you all, for your very kind and generous comments. It's quite wonderful to hear that what I do is meaningful to so many kindred souls. Namaste all.
Mr. Ford,
It has been a privilege to witness your craft and be moved to inspiration by it - I had lost my passion for this kind of meticulous work I used to enjoy growing up (mine was with wood but I must say I feel inclined to a move to metals after watching your work).
It truly is a testament to yourself and remands me of a saying (i am altering it some) :
A man's spirit is displayed in the finer details he instills in his work.
Congratulations on your achievement and thank you once again.
.0.0.0..0
As a blade maker I one day hope to capture even the smallest bit of your skill and beauty in these pieces. Time to get back to work for me thank you for posting this, it is a wonderful and amazing piece.
Thank you, everyone, for your appreciation. I'm pleased our film has captured your imagination. :-)
The amount of craftsmanship is out of this world.. i am speechless. My humble respects to you sir
Hi Sam
to be honest a project like this was not something I would previously have undertaken for myself. I did this at the request of my patron, Bob Morrison. Having said that I now appreciate the value of such exacting challenges. What I learned, and continue to learn and become aware of, through this process has shifted my perceptions of the work and pushed my own abilities beyond anything I could previously have imagined.
Jesus. This is craftsmanship to a level I barely knew existed.
Absolutely breathtaking the amount of skill and craftsmanship in this piece...
if I started now, I might be fit to sweep this guys workshop in 20 years. Stunning work!
Thank you. I'm pleased you found something of value in our little film :-)
有名な大工さんが１０００年前のお寺を改修したときに、当時の技術力の高さに驚いたそうです。ハラムさんのビデオを見て昔の職人はどんな人達だったのだろうと思っちゃいますね。
@putankaat Cheers, yes, I suppose it's a special kind of crazy. It keeps me occupied though and out of trouble ;-) Glad you enjoyed the film and thanks for the kind compliment.
I loved this. When I go to a museum and see beautiful and intricate work from eras gone by, it makes me sad to think that that level of dedication and craftsmanship no longer exists. But clearly it does. Thank you.
@fixinman Only by polishing the metal and patinating it as I did am I able to check the true colour of the alloy and the distribution of the silver particles in the copper matrix. It also allows me to examine the surface for any flaws. If the surface is not this finely finished it's easy to miss possible problem areas in the metal and these could ruin the final work. I do actually mention this at 5:45 in the film.
wonderful I love the idea of Utsushi "don't seek to copy the ancients, rather seek what they sought". How different from our art worlds obsession with the innovative.
Thank you.
To add to the comments already about this being masterful is being modest to my opinion. My interest to have a hand crafted sword with adornments like these you create just started today. While watching your videos nonetheless. My mother passed two months ago and watching a previous video of yours I was inspired to perhaps have a sword created with her wedding band gold being used in the tsuba, which is only part of the many inspired ideas your creation and recreation provided. I have no idea where to start, or what to expect if I make this commitment, but I want to thank you for the inspiration for a grand memorial to my loving mother. Forever love her and will find a way to keep that part of me from fading somehow if not the way I mentioned here. Thank you again for the presentation Ford, quite wonderful & thoughtful work.
言葉にならないくらい素晴らしいです。作品に魂を感じられます。
このような素晴らしい動画をアップロードしてくださって有難うございます。
Thank you .
素晴らしく美しい仕事だ。
Ford Hallamさんは、精神性・技術・体力が揃った、驚くべきクリエイター・アーティストに見える。
このような美しい仕事は、今までで数度しか目にしたことがない。
そのクオリティーの高さに畏怖の念を覚えたほどだ。
そして、日本人として日本の文化を伝承してくれていることに感謝したい。
Arigato-gozai-masu
ありがとう。私はこの素晴らしい伝統の一部であることを光栄です。
What phenomenal artistry and patience. I especially appreciate your slow, Buddhist approach to the work, as well as your dedication to staying true to the original master artist who created the original. It also gives me extra joy to see that you're South African, and living in Cape Town no less! I never would have imagined!
Japanese mind has dwells in you.
I was very impressed.
ARIGATOU.
You are SHOKUNIN.
貴殿の仕事は本当に素晴らしい。良いものを見せていただき、本当にありがとうございました。
This video still inspires almost 10 years later. Thank you sir for sharing your art.
I rarely felt what I have felt, watching the evolution of this piece which can only be described in a word...Awe
Much respect to you and your craft sir.
本物のような毛並み、葉脈。
とても美しい竹虎の透かし図案で、感動致しました。
素晴らしい動画をありがとうございます。
Mr. Iron Brush, I salute you sir. the tranquility of your character, and soul is as impressive as the gentle ringing of your hammer upon the iron brushes for which you have so much respect. One does not often get the chance to see the master at work in this day and age, a million thanks for bestowing such a wonderful movie upon us.
VERY beautiful art❗
写しとして大小鍔を造られて居ますね
しかし、作者の個性がしっかりと出て居て、日本では写しであっても作者のoriginal鍔として評価される事でしょう
個人の精進と神の助けが有って初めて出来ることです✨
本当に素晴らしい鍔としての作品です
江戸時代の技術って解説してくれると、こんなにも面白いものなのか。技術に驚愕したわ。
I am totally blown away.
The only thing I can criticise is that the new piece looks new... as if the original master made it yesterday.
Ford you are truely a master.
I’m moved.
本当に泣きそうです、ありがとうございました。
そしてお疲れ様でした、私はあなたを支持致します。
This is such an mastery that I am left speechless. Have send this to many of my friends and will watch it again. I just wish it was longer, I could watch this diligent work for hours. My deepest respect!
I am almost left speechless with the quality of your work. Its absolutely fantastic Ford.
If I could then even half way to your standards i'd be very happy.
Rob
That has got to be one of the most exquisite pieces of metal I've ever seen made. Bravo, my jaw was on the floor by the time you were finished!
Incredible. This deserves to be seen by many more people, an absolute master at work.
Thank you, that's very kind.
This is blowing my mind away, much respect to Japanese culture & craftsmanship and a big hats off to Mr. Ford!!
Watching this video 13 years in the future what skill you possess would make even the ancients shiver
That's very generous of you to say. I'll try and keep going then :-)
@AlecRyanBarnett Thanks for the kind compliments. I'm pleased the film offered a glimpse into my world :-)
Unbelieveable..... I am speechless. I have always marveled at really outstanding tsuba but now to marvel is not enough. My gratitude and undying admiration sir.
I am Japanese! This work feels Japanese soul!
I'm speechless, you've honored the original artist in the greatest possible way.
Staggeringly beautiful. A true master of your craft
@btb103 Yes, all the scraps of metal and filings are collected and refined or remelted for later use. Goldsmiths throughout history have always been big on recycling ;-)
watched this a bunch of times now and i cant get over just how AWESOME that piece of work is... I mean geez!
I could watch it all day. Incredible and beautiful work and masterfully edited videos. I'm in awe, thank you.
What a wonderful profession, and such astounding skills! I can almost smell the metal, and I almost feel the concentration on the work and the sheer joy doing it. I inwardly bend my knees facing such a tremendous amount of mastership.
Thank you for sharing!
Very much appreciate the sheer amount of effort that’s gone into this piece! Bravo… stunning work!
Brilliant Craftsmanship. Beautiful piece of work.
素晴らしいです。一つの傑作の前には人種は関係無く、卓越した好奇心と努力と執念が必要だと言うことが分かります。
日本文化を継承して下さって感謝します。
What a miracle of artistry and craftsmanship. Thank you for this gift.
Sigh, such sublime artistry. Just beautiful. And thank you to the filmmaker whose sensitivity captures the experience as a meditation. And thank you to patron Bob Morrison for seeking what the ancients sought and sharing it with us.
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it.
I think I commented on this previously but it warrants another. Jesus this is impressive. Not the final piece but how you approached it, your consideration of every line, your mindset. It’s like method acting via craftsmanship. Thank you for sharing it and everything since with us. I have wanted to carve metal for some time now and I think your channel seems the most accessible way to start.
Bless your hands.
wow. i can not imagine the intensity of work you put in it. just unbelievable.
a true labor work of art.
Absolutely amazing skills ironbrush! The amount of discipline alone required for an undertaking like this is inconceivable. Beautiful work!
@archer82633 Thank you, It's good to hear you enjoy watching the film. The stripes are a different alloy to the body of the tiger. This difference in metal composition is what gives the different colours when I treat the finished piece in the copper salt bath at the end.
Absolutely amazing. What a way to be introduced to this form of art. My son and I sat here mesmerized the whole time. Thank you so much for sharing.
Stunning craftmanship and all with traditional methods. I would love to see the tsubas mounted on their Katana and Wakazashi. Also to hear the stories of the samurai that carried them.
it looks like more work go into the tsuba then the blade.you are a true master
Good lord, this is incredible. I'm absolutely speechless.
One of the most incredible displays of craftsmanship i have ever seen. Your attention to detail is astounding. You have inspired me like few others ever have. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world.
I watched it all, was glued to the monitor!
Absolutely phenomenal. By the middle of the second video I began to weep tears of joy, quite literally, while trying to comprehend the passion and patience involved in this process. Only a person who loves art at the utmost could possibly create such a magnificent piece. Incredible!
sooo beautiful, amazing craftmanship and patience! ;)
thanks you.
Sorry but I don't know the titles of any of the music. That part was applied by the sound mixer when the film was edited.
Stunning piece, amazing work and artistry
A masterpiece by a master craftsman.
I am in complete aw. That is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, and the main reason is the fact you showed what made this amazing piece what it is.
あなたの仕事と挑戦と努力-心意気は素晴らしいです✨👍️
今の甦る現代の魂のこもった鍔に合掌致します
そして日本人として、改めて自分が持つ古い奈良利永-他の鍔の数々や拵えを誇りに思います
What a amazing piece indeed! Personally, I prefer the gorgeous colors prior to the Patina. The Patina made it lose all the imagination and glory but perhaps it's all in the eye of the beholder. I truly love watching the master at work. Thank you so much for sharing!
It was truly a pleasure watching you work on this tsuba. You are truly an artist..
Inspirational, truly inspirational. Craftsmanship at it's highest level. Viewing you at work has given my day a wonderful start. Thank you.
Absolutely fascinating. Fantastic job, thanks for sharing.
Stunning job !
Impressive. Absolutely amazed by this tsuba...
Very well done.
Absolutely incredible. So inspiring.
thank you, it's always nice to hear that the films are still working :-)
I have always loved metal work in all its forms... To take raw material and then quite literally bend it to your will and create something like this... amazing. I am humbled by the level of skill and care being displayed here.... I am quite jealous sir. It must be very satisfying to rejoice in the completion of a piece like this.... You are truly a master at your art.... It's sad that skills like these are disappearing.... I also wanted to add that the filming of this was VERY well done!!
I am literally speechless at the quality of your practice, and your dedication to perfection. Absolutely stunning work, my friend.
WOW. You certainly pulled it off. I salute your skills sir. This has to be the two best youtube video's for me. Thank you so much.
I am trying to master the art of engraving, have all the latest air controlled & palm controlled gravers. I can not believe you did that with a hammer. I am in awe of your skills.
Wow!! the amount of work that went into making this I could have never imagined. So much respect for your artistry.
Never have seen anything like this. Salute to you, master of craft
"It's been a hugely challenging journey"- Understatement of the millenia!!!!
I find this video totally amazing!!
amazing crafting real masterpiece !!!! superb video
I actually got goosebumbs from this. Absolute master level!
I had to look away and cover my eyes when you where signing it..... So much attention to detail. Wonderful to watch.
It's a Devine piece of art. I'm in awe.
Amazing and fascinating. You are an true artist and rightful successor of the Japanese craftsmanship spirit.
I have just come across your work and am unable to put into words how I am feeling right now.
thank you kindly
BRAVO! I can't even describe what you made me feel while watching your video, the artistry in what you do is off the chart! I am humbled by your talent and inspired beyond anything I've seen before.
@SamuRyan858 Glad you enjoyed it enough to watch twice :-) This piece is signed with own usual signature on the left and on the right I've chiselled "utsushi Hagia Katsuhira " (a copy of) who was the artists who made the missing tsuba I attempted to replicate.
Stunning work, as we Dutchmen like to say, yet translated for your convenience: You have hands made of gold!
You are the best craftsman i have ever seen Thankyou for sharing your skills
Ive never seen anything so amazing...Thank you for opening my eyes !!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Beautiful, the final peace is amazing, but the video it self is just beautiful I could have sat there and watched you do the fur on the entire piece it was relaxing just listening to the hammer well the fur came to life.
excellent skill and amazing patience
只々本当に素晴らしい。
Amazing skill. A combination of small steps made a masterpiece.
i am in awe of your talent. also the documentary was very well shot. it really let someone like me who didnt know the amount of detail and effort was put into tsubas. i feel i now appreciate it as you do
You sir are absolutely amazing...
doing work of this quality you must find an inner calm and peace with yourself, Im envious of this as I have not yet attained this level. Excellent work I think even the original artist would be pleased.
Your mastery is breath taking. Absolutely amazing work.
Sweet Jesus, this is amazing. I was hypnotized throughout the whole video.
Impeccable work, truly stunning pieces of art.
My definition of an artist. You performed admirably and your end piece is beautiful. I can only dream to be such a craftsman as you have become...well done!