A Hirata Kozuka with cloisonne inlay in design of a bird in the willow tree
The Japanese word for cloisonne is ‘Shippo’ which means ‘seven treasures’ and refers to the seven precious materials gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, pearl, coral, and agate. It is said that the old art of applying cloisonne inlays was lost and was rediscovered during the early Edo period by Hirata Donin (1596‐1615) at the request of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Some sources say that he went to Korea following Hideyoshi’s invasion troops. Under the influence of Donin, the Hirata school became famous for the Shippo technique throughout the Edo period.
A fine Nanako covers the front and sides of the Kozuka and speaks for a high quality item from the school. The cloisonne inlay shows deep colors of blue, green and dark reddish grey and the gold marking the borders is exquisitely detailed.
This Kozuka is attributed to ‘Hirata’ by the NBTHK Hozon certificate.
Comes with a custom made box inscribed by Kanzan with a Hakogaki:
‘Shakudo Nanako Ji Takabori Shippo Iroe Mumei Hirata’
