DESCRIPTION: Pair of shakudo (gold and copper alloy) menuki in the form of oxen. Goto school, very good work and dating from 1570 to 1610. The backs have been filled with silver, probably in the 1950’s, to make them wearable as cuff links. DIMENSIONS: each about 1 1/8 wide (3 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A very high quality shakudo kozuka depicting the Tanabata Festival legend, with the heavenly weaver, Shokujo, at her loom. Fine inlays of shibuichi, copper, gold and silver define the weaver and her loom, with kebori and katakira engraving (fine lines like brush strokes) depicting clouds. Good condition; dating from the Edo Period, C. 1640 – 1680. DIMENSIONS: 3 7/8” long (9.8 cm).

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DESCRIPTION: A simple but elegant shibuichi (silver and copper alloy) kozuka with fine, hairline kebori engraving of two mon (Japanese family crests). This mon is the Mitsu-Tome crest, used by a number of Samurai and Daimyo clans. Dating from 1810 – 1850, this kozuka, or accessory knife handle, would have been used with formal wear. DIMENSIONS: 3 7/8” long (9.8 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A well crafted Japanese silver kanemono (or metal pouch clasp) in the form of a peony in high relief with original back plate still attached. Excellent Condition, early to mid 19th C., Meiji. DIMENSIONS: 1 ¼” long (3.2 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A shakudo (gold and copper alloy) kozuka with a nanako-ji ground (literally “fish roe” or dome-shaped dots in lines produced by a punch) dating from c. 1750. Incorporated into the design is a good quality menuki, c. 1550, of Mino-Goto style featuring a group of chrysanthemum with gold and silver detail. DIMENSIONS: 3 7/8” long (9.8 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A pair of Japanese menuki, the yamagane base (unrefined copper) with gilt details depicting suski, or Japanese silver-toned pampas grass. Japanese poets have long referred to the graceful susuki; at its mention, we know the poem’s season is always “autumn.” On one menuki we see a nobleman’s cap, which is probably a poetic reference. These menuki represent good Goto style work dating from 1600 – 1650, with some wear to gilding. DIMENSIONS: Each approximately 1 ½” long (3.7 cm).