SIGNED KITAGAWA KORE WO TSUKURU AND DATED KANBUN JU-NEN SAN-GATSU KICHIJITSU [AN AUSPICIOUS DAY IN MARCH 1670]

Details

A Suikan-Gura [Riding Saddle] with Christian Mon
Signed Kitagawa kore wo tsukuru and dated Kanbun ju-nen san-gatsu kichijitsu [an auspicious day in March 1670]
Decorated overall with a rich nashiji [pear skin] ground of densely-applied gold particles, with a form of the kurusu [cross] mon in gold and silver heidatsu [thin metal sheet inlay] and kirikane [cut foil] on the front and rear of the pommel, signature, kao [cursive monogram] and date on underside
40cm. long

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The kurusu [cross] mon was used in a number of forms by Christian daimyo families. The mon is formed of two crosses, one set diagonally of silver and gold heidatsu [level inlay] - possibly representing ritual sword blades, and the other of four pineapple shaped arms exquisitely depicted in carefully set minute square pieces of silver and gold kirikane [cut foil] following the curved profile. Since it would have been impossible to use such an eye-catching saddle with a Christian motif in public it is believed that this saddle must have been kept hidden away thus explaining its fine condition.

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