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).

DESCRIPTION: A Japanese kozuka crafted from a brown shibuichi alloy (silver and copper), the design incorporating kata-kiri-bori engraving and inlaid gold, silver, and shakudo (gold and copper alloy) in high relief depicting an egret and a bulbul bird perched on a riverside branch gazing at the moon. Unsigned, very good quality and condition, c. 1770 – 1820. DIMENSIONS: 4" long (10 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A well patinated shibuichi (silver and copper alloy) kozuka with gold, silver, copper and shakudo flat inlays and kata-kiri-bori engraving, featuring a design of a peony plant with butterflies. Kaga Province, c. 1700 – 1740; unsigned, good quality and condition. DIMENSIONS: 3 ¾” long (9.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: Pair of menuki in the form of citrus fruits with textured skin crafted from a copper base, hand worked and engraved, with shakudo (copper alloy) leaves and silver dew-drops. C. 1720 – 1760, unsigned, very good work and condition. DIMENSIONS: Each 1” wide (2.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A fabulous set of twelve knives, the blades of sterling silver with each handle made from a finely crafted antique kozuka. This set demonstrates a wide range of Japanese metals and metal working techniques, including iron, shakudo and shibuichi bodies, all decorated with gold, silver or copper overlays. Five kozuka have nanako (“fish roe”) backgrounds, one has very fine hand engraving and one is artist signed. We invite you to do the math per kozuka to see the reasonable price f... Click for details