Design of Thunder Patterns

The second-generation Shimizu Jingo was born in Genna 6 (1620), and it is known from memorial tablets preserved by the Shimizu family that he died in Hōei 7 (1710) at the age of ninety-one. Having lived together with the first-generation Jinbei for fifty-five years, he was initially strongly influenced by the first generation, but gradually came to produce works expressing a gentler and more refined individuality distinct from that of his predecessor. None of his surviving works bear signatures.
This tsuba develops the dote-mimi style seen in the later works of the first generation, while at the same time expressing characteristics found only in the second generation. The surface and mimi are finished with broad and unrestrained tsuchime, and the surface displays an exquisite niku-oki (surface variations), with the seppa-dai thickened while the surface gently tapers toward the mimi.
The large hitsu-ana on either side are also exceptionally well shaped, contributing to the dignified atmosphere of the piece.
A subtle silver nunome-zōgan raimon pattern runs along the mimi; however, the artist’s true intention seems to have lain above all in the form and niku-oki, pursuing beauty as a unified sculptural mass.
In every respect, this is a work uniquely characteristic of the second generation and a masterful example fully expressing the individuality of second-generation Jingo.