A large Kozuka called O-Kozuka made from copper and finely engraved in Katakiribori style. O-Kozuka are quite rare and must have been specifically made to order for blades with a large Saya accompanying a Tsuba with large Hitsuana. The carving of the mice and rice bags is quite detailed and even the fur is finely carved and the eyes of the mice are inlaid in gold.
A Komedawara is a standard bag of rice and normally weighs 60 kg. The rat or mouse being the first animal of the Zodiac is said to be prolific and prosperous and a bale of rice stands for a good harvest. Thus this motif actually has quite a positive connotation.
The Ogawa family was active in Tosa province and had some relation to the Tanaka/Sonobe school where Ogawa Yoshitsune worked. Chikamitsu worked in the late Edo-period around 1850. According to Haynes (H 02655.0) this master is the same as Ogawa Kanko due to the very similar Kanji he used (Chikamitsu 親光, which can be read as Kanko 觀光 as well) and due to the same workmanship period. This theory might be true as it would be quite unlikely having two artists working under almost the same name in one family at the same time.
The Hozon Kanteisho from the NBTHK attributes this piece to Chikamitsu.
Comes with a custom made box and the NBTHK certificate.
102 mm x 21 mm x 6.4 mm
