Engraved Heron Brooch

[Jim Kelso]

Hi guys. Sorry I haven't been active for a while.

I have wanted to use a heron theme for some time. Inspired by one of my favorite herons in metal by the great Shoami Katsuyoshi ,I “borrowed” his design and am applying it to a fan shaped pin in shibuichi using shishiai-bori(below-surface relief), where all the relief is developed below surface.

The Katsuyoshi piece (round form photo) is takazogan (raised inlay) on a kogo(incense container) and is a fair bit larger. This sort of borrowing of successful designs, either from other metalworks or paintings, is not frowned upon in Japan. I think that as long as full credit is given where due, it is actually a tip of the hat to the original artist. I would, of course, never presume to pull it off as successfully as Shoami Katsuyoshi.

Kogo photo courtesy of Kagedo Gallery, Seattle.

I used shibuichi made for me by Phillip Baldwin.

http://www.shiningwave.com/

It is an alloy of 70%copper/ 30% silver. The patina is the traditional Japanese niage.
Here is a link to a work-in-progress thread at Don Fogg's Bladesmiths' Forum: http://forums.dfoggknives.com/index....pic=21553&st=0

The pin measures 72 mm wide and has an 18k gold bezel.

[Jörmungandr]

Great man. Great indeed.

Loved your work since I saw it for the first time.

[SEngraver]

Hi Jim,

Quality work,beautiful.Thank you for the pictures will go to Bladesmiths today for the tutorial.

SE

[JJ Roberts]

Jim,I spent the last hour looking at your tutorial on the engraved Heron brooch and many of your other beautifully crafted and engraved peices.Thanks for sharing and keep posting,your work is a joy to see. J.J.

[Jim Kelso]

Thanks a lot guys. Much appreciated.

Jim

[gravalance]

Good to see something from you again here! Great piece as usual, and thanks for the link and the tutorial!
It seems one has to go to the bladesmith's forum to see/hear something more of you:-)
Best,
Hanne

[Jim Kelso]

Thanks very much Lance. I don't know why I'm more active there. I guess it's from my long friendship with Don and I've met a few of the guys over the years.

Jim

[Gert]

Great work! love it!