A Kozuka by Tobari Tomihisa with design of a rooster on a drum
Tobari Tomihisa was a highly skilled metalworker from Mito who was active during the middle to late Edo period, around 1770 to 1825. He had studied under Goto Enjo the 13th mainline Goto master (1722 – 1784) before he started his own workshop. He trained several students such as Asakura Takakage, Saito Tomichika, Saito Tomiyuki, Tobari Yoshihiro and others. Due to his great skill of creating fine and detailed work which takes the skills of the Goto school, combining it with his own less rigid interpretation of designs, he is regarded as ‘Joko’ (highly skilled artist).
This Kozuka was made in the typical elegant Shakudo Nanako style set in gold foil with Yasurime ornamentation. The motif of the rooster on the drum was carved in gold and then set on the Nanako ground. On the back we can see his full signature using one of his ‘Go’ Shoseisai Tobari Tomihisa and his seal.
The Chinese story with the rooster on a big drum reports a scene from the main gate of the emperor Yao’s palace. Initially the drum had been placed there to assemble troops. Because under the rule of the emperor Yao a long period of peace became general and the drum wasn’t used anymore for military signal purposes the roosters and their fowl would rest on the drum. It was said that people seeking help of grievance would beat the drum to raise the attention of officials.
Due to its high quality and great condition this piece was awarded the rank Tokubetsu Hozon by the NBTHK.
Comes with a custom made box.
