This Kozuka depicts a Tiger and a Leopard fighting each other. As in ancient Japan the Leopard was thought to be the female Tiger, this Kozuka depicts what could be called mating aggression between a male and female Tiger. The stripes of the male are highlighted with Shakudo while the female’s spots are created by round Tagane marks. The fur of both is created by thin chiselled lines running over their bodies. This Kozuka exhibits a quite high relief which was created by carving the tigers out of the Shakudo and then putting a thin gold foil on top. The stripes of the male were then created by taking away parts of the gold foil again to make the Shakudo below shine through. The back side of the Kozuka is made in ‘Sogitsugi’ technique where a diagonal line separates the Shakudo from the gold part. The gold is highlighted with ‘Yasurime’ which end in small ‘Tama’ (pearls).
The Goto school is famous for its classic designs which they carried forth over 17 generations from the 15th to the 19th century. We find here a very fine Nanako which is almost circular pointing us to the later half of the mainline school. The design of the Tigers is similar to work of the twelfth master which would put this Kozuka to the early to mid 18th century. Overall this piece is in great condition and makes for a fine addition to any Goto collection.
Attributed to ‘Goto’ by the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certificate.
Comes in a custom made high quality Kiri box.
