Set of Sword Fittings - Shungensai

A 1935 Japanese woodblock print by Shungensai depicting a collection of traditional sword fittings arranged in and around a wooden storage box.

This woodblock print by the Japanese artist Shungensai, dated 1935, depicts a collection of traditional sword fittings, known as tosogu. The composition presents these metal components, including tsuba (sword guards) and other small ornaments, arranged both within a wooden storage box and resting upon a textured surface. The artist employs a clean, observational style characteristic of the Shin-hanga movement, which sought to revitalise traditional Japanese printmaking techniques through modern subject matter and refined printing processes.

The print captures the material qualities of the objects with precision. The wooden grain of the storage box is rendered with subtle, linear detail, contrasting against the dark, metallic surfaces of the sword fittings. The inclusion of calligraphic text surrounding the objects provides context, likely identifying the specific types of fittings or the collection from which they originate. The red lining of the box provides a muted colour accent, drawing the eye to the items housed within.

Shungensai focuses on the quiet arrangement of these historical artefacts, treating them as subjects of study rather than mere functional items. The print avoids excessive ornamentation, allowing the viewer to observe the craftsmanship of the sword fittings themselves. The balance between the negative space of the paper and the detailed rendering of the objects creates a sense of order and stillness. This work reflects the interest in documenting traditional Japanese crafts during the early twentieth century, preserving the appearance of these specialised metalwork pieces through the medium of the woodblock print. The technical execution demonstrates a high degree of control, particularly in the application of colour and the crispness of the printed lines.