| Mumei (Den-Nomura). A pair of menuki with a spiny lobster design.The Nomura school of Awa (Tokushima) was founded by Nomura Masatoki, who served the Tokugawa shogunate and studied under Goto Kenjo (the 7th head of the Goto family), around the Kanbun era. The school flourished through successive generations up to the 9th master, Masayoshi (around the Bunkyu era), producing refined works in the traditional iebori style.Regarding lobster motifs such as this example, Masahide (active around the Kyowa era), a disciple of the 6th master Masatsugu, and his son Masayoshi were particularly renowned for their exceptionally realistic depictions, unmatched by others. A defining characteristic of their work is the use of solid copper, making full use of the material to create powerful and striking compositions. Passed Hozon Tosogu shinsa in November 2025. |
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