Hirata Hikozo (1590? – 1635) is one of the most famous Higo craftsmen, also a master of the first generations of Jingo and Kanshiro. He worked under the patronage of Hosokawa Sansai, an important samurai and tea ceremony master, who was a disciple of Sen no Rikyu. Hikozo was deeply influenced by the aesthetics of this culture, and many of his works reflect its refined sensibility. He remained with the Hosokawa clan when they moved to Higo and passed away in 1635 at the age of approximately 45.
Hikozo was not only a sophisticated tsuba maker but also a skilled goldsmith and an expert in precious metals for the Hosokawa clan. After completing his service as a samurai, he was entrusted by his lord with the evaluation of gold and silver, a role that later became hereditary within his family.
The tea culture of the Momoyama period is characterized by a balance between action and stillness, and Hikozo’s tsuba stand out for their understated yet refined elegance, often inspired by the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic philosophy deeply rooted in the tea ceremony. Many of his finest works are made of copper (suaka), with surface finishes achieved through file work (yasurime), often combined with black urushi lacquer that settles into the grooves, adding depth and character to the piece.
His works also frequently feature edges decorated with an Odawara-fukurin, a border in shakudō or silver that further enhances the composition.
Hikozo’s style, initially influenced by the Shoami school, became increasingly personal and recognizable over time, developing minimalist and well-balanced motifs that evoke the natural world and the meditative tranquility of Zen tradition. In his book “Higo Kinko Roku,” Hikozo noted that he “works in a classical style and does not exhibit any mediocre taste.” His artistic legacy is now celebrated among the greatest masters in the history of tōsogu.
Hikozo passed down his knowledge to the next generation, and his style profoundly influenced the Higo school. However, unlike other schools, many of his works remain unsigned, making it difficult to attribute some pieces with certainty. His innovations continued to inspire later masters such as Nishigaki Kanshiro and Shimizu Jingo, who further developed the distinctive artistic language of Higo.
