Painter Kozuka (Goto)

Edo period (1615-1868) 

Goto Hironori: Goto School Shakudo Kozuka showing a painter and his attendant.

By Goto Hironori, signed Goto Hironori 後藤 廣乗 and kakihan.

The shakudo kozuka worked in gold, silver, and shakudo takazogan, depicting a seated artist painting a scroll, a suzuri (inkstone) to his side, with a young attendant, apparently sleeping, to his side, all against a nanako ground, within a raised border. Signed GOTO HIRONORI and kakihan (artist's cursive monogram) to the gilt nekogaki ('cat-scratched') reverse.

LENGTH 9.5 cm
WEIGHT 33.6 g

Condition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear, and tiny nicks along the rim.
Provenance: From an Australian private collection of sword fittings, collected over centuries with a discerning eye for quality and comprising mostly exceptionally fine kozuka from the noted Hamano and Goto schools.

The artist Goto Hidenori is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 288 (H 01376.0).

The Goto School is a prestigious Japanese metalworking tradition, founded in the 15th century by Goto Yujo. Renowned for its mastery in creating sword fittings, the Goto School artisans specialized in working with gold, silver, and other precious metals. Their intricate designs often featured motifs inspired by nature and mythology. Over generations, the Goto School maintained its elite status, with successive masters serving the Tokugawa shogunate, making their work highly sought after for both its artistic and historical significance.

Provenance
Galerie Zacke