EDO PERIOD (19TH CENTURY), THE FIRST INSCRIBED SOMIN AND WITH KAO (CURSIVE MONOGRAM)

Details

A Yokoyo School Kozuka and a Goto School Kozuka
Edo period (19th century), the first inscribed Somin and with kao (cursive monogram)
The first, a silver kozuka decorated in katakiribori with Shoki appearing from behind a curtain, the reverse with Chinese immortals playing flutes; the second a shakudo nanako-ji kozuka with a gold frame decorated with a Chinese lion caught in a large spider web and two warriors, possibly Minamoto no Yoshimitsu (948-1041) and his retainer Watanabe no Tsuna (d. 1025) (2)

Provenance

The first Howard Mansfield, New York
The second Herman A. E. and Paul C. Jaehne, New York

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve. This lot is exempt from Sales Tax.

Lot Essay

Minamoto no Yoshimitsu, or Raiko as he is more popularly known, and his retainer Watanabe no Tsuna are the heroes of many adventures. This kozuka may be a reference to the story of Tsuchigumo, a giant spider that Raiko and Tsuna were sent to slay.

More from Japanese Art Including Property of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

View All