What I have learnt that I am very clear about though is the real value of copying the work of past masters. It is utterly shocking to delve into work of such high calibre with complete attention and to become completely absorbed in the world of a real master. The care and attention paid to the most minute detail is, quite literally, breathtaking and if I'm completely honest it's a little disconcerting. I can't imagine a more effective, nor demanding, method of learning than following so closely in their footsteps.
I've described this tsuba I'm attempting to replicate, based on the little b/w photo and the wakizashi tsuba, as a Rosetta stone. I'm pleased to be able to report that I'm slowly unravelling the delicate language of this particular masters hand...this is a very great privilege and one I'm very grateful for.
I've been forbidden by the film maker from revealing any images of the work in progress so as not to spoil the full effect of the final film but here's a much enlarged view of one small section as it was 2 weeks ago. I'm sure you can figure out what part it is?
