KZ-117 Goto Mitsutaka Kozuka

$3500

1700’s

Design of Tanabata

Kozuka by the Goto mainline master, Enjo Mitsutaka. Mitsutaka was the  13th master of the prestigious  Goto School and was also considered one of the best among all 17 mainline masters. He was also considered the best at attributing past works that were unsigned, and or repairing / remounting works of the older masters. Design is of Tanabata festival celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month every year in Japan when Altair (Cowheard Star) and Vega (Weaver Star), which are normally separated by the milky way, are finally able to meet.

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$2650

1800’s

Rare and unusual kozuka made by Yukinobu. This very nice kozuka done in shibuichi has many interesting facets of craftsmanship. The main design is of the constellation (maybe the Big Dipper) along with a fan known as a Hauchiwa. The fan, which is done very well in shakudo and silver, goes well with the constellation which is done in solid gold. The most interesting part is of course the addition of a compass in the piece. This was NOT added later,but as an part of the original kozuka. One can see it is original by looking at the placement of the design of the constellation and fan. The compass is surrounded by the kanji of the 12 zodiac animals which was used for telling time , as well as other types of measurement. The compass face has the four directions in kanji as well. Yukinobu was a direct student under the famous artist Kikuoka Mitsuyuki. A very collectable piece by a known artist, fitted in a custom made box.

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KZ-118 Goto Teijo Kozuka

$1600

1650-1673

 

Shakudo Gold Kozuka of Bow and Arrow

Excellent Kozuka with NBTHK Hozon paper attribution to the 9th Mainline Goto master Teijo. He worked from about 1617-1673 and was under retainer to the powerful Maeda Daimyo later in life. He developed and furthered the Goto family tradition as can be seen in this tastefully done unsigned piece. The use of mixed metal shakudo and gold with “cat scratch” back on gold is something he was famous for and was done under patronage from the Maeda family. The theme of bow and arrows is a popular one in samurai culture and beyond the military application also had a semi-sacred nature. In Heian era the twanging of bows was thought to ward off demonic spirits. Even now, lucky bows and arrow can be found in some Japanese shrines during New Year season.  The theme itself is elegantly represented here with Teijo’s usual deft skill. The nanako background is excellent and is a great piece for the Goto collector

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KZ-119 Goto Renjo Kozuka

$1600

1645-1697

 

Shakudo Kozuka of Fans on Ceremonial Tray

Tasteful Kozuka with NBTHK Hozon paper attribution to the 10th Mainline Goto master Renjo. He succeeded his uncle Goto Teijo as the next master of the mainline Goto family. Kozuka is done in deep dark shakudo with good nanako work. The theme is a elegant one  of two fans on ceremonial tray for presentation. The work itself speaks to Renjo’s skill and quite balance with excellent use of varios metal and alloy to present the intricate detail on the fans. A good piece for a mainline Goto collector.

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MF-315 Shakudo Wave and Birds Kozuka

$575

1600’s

9.7 x 1.4 x .62 cm

Nice Shakudo Kozuka with a Well-cut Design of Birds and Waves.

The waves are carved strongly with lots of gold dots inlayed for the wave spray. The 3 birds show life in flight, and have a little wear on their bodies. The kozuka is very thick and heavy showing the high level of the shakudo used. This kozuka seems to have the feeling of being made by the Omori or Sonobe School. The deep dark shakudo is a good sign that this kozuka is from a main school.

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