It is speculated that the first Kanshiro was born in Nakatsu, Buzen Province in the 18th year of Keicho. He trained as a disciple of Hikozo Hirata and was granted a license to inherit the craft of Shirakon Zaiku from the same school. He died in the 6th year of the Genroku era at the age of eighty-one.
Compared to Hayashi school, some of his early works are out of proportion with the distorted construction of the tsuba, and this adds Kanshiro's unique elegance to his designs. His technique is also graceful and relaxed. In terms of the quality of his bullion, he is on par with the Hayashi school.
ENGLISH
