An Ishiguro Kozuka by Kanemoto

A quite unusual Ishiguro Kozuka presents itself here as the master Kanemoto (also known as ‘Kakuju’) has decided to use ‘Suaka’ (copper) as a base material and sign the piece on the front on an inlaid piece of gold running diagonally over the item. The Suaka ground is covered with Nanako and the back is made in polished Shakudo. On the right side we see a small basket in gold with a small bird made from copper, gold and shakudo. In that way the master follows the common motif of the Ishiguro school, birds!

The image is very likely inspired by the Hanasaka Jiisan (花咲か爺さん) story — “The Old Man Who Made the Withered Trees Bloom.”

Common depiction:

A bird (often a small sparrow) above a basket or tray.
From the bird’s beak or tail drops a small pellet or seed
Where the droplet falls, a flower blooms.
The basket often in gold — symbolizing divine spirit and fortune

Good Fortune (福 / Fuku): The transformation of something humble (ash, seed, or droppings) into flowers or treasure represents unexpected blessings.
Kindness and Reward: Echoes the moral of Hanasaka Jiisan — benevolence brings beauty and luck.
Regeneration & Long Life: Blossoms appearing from ash or waste symbolize renewal, immortality, and the power of virtue.
Bird as Messenger: The bird often stands for Shiro’s spirit or divine aid — a bringer of fortune from heaven.

Basket = offering or humble receptacle
Bird = messenger of the divine / spirit of Shiro
Droplet = the magic ash or seed of transformation
Flower = the miracle of virtue and long life

Thus, the kozuka’s design is a kind of visual haiku:

“From the bird’s gift, blooms a flower — fortune from kindness.”

Comes with a custom made high quality Kiri box.