| DESCRIPTION: An excellent dark shibuichi kozuka, dating from 1710 – 1730, with extremely fine katakiri engraving (incised engraving like brushstrokes). Shown is the Japanese waka poet and aristocrat, Narihira (825 – 880 A.D.), who is said to be the hero of “The Tales of Ise”. He has been traditionally regarded as the epitome of the “beau homme” in the Japanese culture and is believed to be one of the men who inspired the hero of the “Tale of Genji”. Here he stops to admire blooming kerria as he fords the Tama River. Kerria is a yellow flowering plant in the rose family known as “yamabuki” in Japanese (literally meaning "mountain breath") which grows wild all over Japan, especially favoring riversides and gorges. This fine kozuka is signed on the reverse with the genuine signature of Shiyama Motoptada (1672 – 1734), an important metal artist in Kyoto. Very good condition with a dark patina. DIMENSIONS: 3 ¾” long (9.5 cm). Price: $1,295 Stock #BB90 |
