The first of two fuchi is done on a black shakudo base, with carved sparrows in flight over a very fine nanako background. The outline of the carvings is delicate and sharp. The colors of the birds breast and neck feathers are achieved with the inlay of silver and suaka metals. Tiny gold inlay is used to show the feet and eyes of the birds. This piece is in very nice condition and has a very fine, crisp signature.

The second of the two fuchi also represents birds in flight. Though the birds are not as crisp and representational as the other fuchi, the mixture of metals and execution of the composition is very appealing. The base metal appears to be brass which has attained a very pleasing patina. The individual birds are done in three colors represented by the metals of shakudo, shibuichi, and copper.  Some areas have had thick gold uttori applied and then intentionally removed in places. The background has had very thin striations likely representing wind carved into it. This piece is signed with a nice crisp signature, however, the strokes are slightly different from the other fuchi.

Yasuchika was a very prolific artist and had numerous students and innumerable artisans attempting to imitate his style.  It is very difficult to ascertain which artist's signatures are represented in these two fuchi, but the quality is very nice, making them both very collectible.

Edo Period (18th - 19th c.)

 

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