Goto Mitsuyasu (1795 – 1852) was a member of the distinguished Goto family, which served Japan’s ruling clans as goldsmiths for over four centuries, reaching seventeen generations in its lineage. He is listed in the Kinko Meikan on page 401 as a “Ryoko” (良工, skilled master), indicating both technical excellence and refined artistic sensibility. He was better known under the name ‘Benjo’ and became the fifth master of the Hanzaemon Waki Goto line. He was likely influenced by the style of Ichijo who was only 4 years older than him, as we can see in his naturalistic interpretation of flora and fauna elements. His works are known for their precision in carving and for the harmonious relationship between motif, material, and form.
The fuchi depicts a serene landscape with ducks and a peony (botan). The ducks are executed in takabori high relief and made of shibuichi, with beaks, eyes, and feet delicately detailed in gold. The base is shakudō with a finely executed nanako background, lending texture and depth to the composition. The peony blossom is rendered in silver, while the leaves are in shakudo with subtle gold highlights. The piece is signed “Goto Mitsuyasu” and bears the artist’s kao (seal). On the signature side, the characteristic vertical file marks are visible—an identifying feature often found in the Gotō Ichijo school.
The kashira shows two small birds, likely sparrows (suzume), above a flowering plant with several stems and leaves. The birds are executed in gold, while the ground is shakudo with a fine nanako surface. The flower petals are in silver, creating a pleasing contrast of tone and texture. The shitodome are finished in gold and neatly worked with yasurime detailing. Overall, the set exemplifies the refined harmony of naturalistic design and formal elegance—hallmarks of Goto Mitsuyasu’s artistry and the cultivated aesthetic of the later Kyoto Waki Goto tradition.
Comes with a custom made box.
Size:
Fuchi: 40 mm x 22 mm x 10.5 mm
Kashira: 36 mm x 17.5 mm x 8 mm
Find more items from the Goto school here: https://tsuba.info/product-category/kinko/goto/
