"Sahari is an alloy of several metals that is very hard. The inlay is made from a combination of copper, tin, zinc, and lead. The mixture is then made into the shape of a stick. The stick is ground to powder and the powder is placed in the crevices on the plate that have been engraved to form the design. Then the powder is melted by fire. After the alloy has melted, and filled the areas of the design, the excess is filed from the plate and the surface is polished smooth to the face of the plate. Because the alloy fills the area of the design unevenly, and air pockets are left in the metal from the melting process, the resulting inlay has a corroded appearance. This is natural to the alloy and its method in melting. If it does not have this appearance it is not true sahari inlay.
From close examination, it appears that the HAZAMA signature was removed. Why this was done is unknown. The NBTHK Hozon certification designates 'Mumei' to HAZAMA." (Long)
7.90cm x 7.40cm x 0.20cm |
