KOZUKA by MUNEMASA

SAGE / BULL

MEI:

探幽斎図、活龍軒宗政「花押」

Tan’yūsai zu, Katsuryūken Munemasa + kaō

[After a] Painting/design by Tan’yūsai, Katsuryūken Munemasa + monogram (Thanks Markus Sesko)

Lovely Kozuka on shibuichi base with shakudo and gold highlights.  The theme is a sage walking with a bull. The bull is carved into the back in katakiri bori. The inscription acknowledges that the design was inspired by work by Kano Tan’yu.

Kano Tan’yu was one of the foremost painters of the Tokagawa period. To see more about this artist: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanō_Tan’yū

*Sadly, there are no papers for this kozuka. As with any un-papered item, all information regarding the mei is a simple translation of what is inscribed on the item. This and any other information given such a school history, etc., is done so as a courtesy only and is not an opinion, indication, or guarantee of it being shoshin or anything for that matter. (see policy page). If you wish to assume anything, assume it is gimei. No guarantee or warranty shall be given or implied. All un-papered items are sold “as is” and sales are final.

Items which are not accompanied by kanteisho (papers) are assumed gimei and valued based upon the quality of work seen in said item. If you are more concerned with papers or mei than the work, then please do your own research prior to purchase. Do your research PRIOR to purchase and make a purchase only if you are satisfied that you can live with your decision as again these sales are final.

All I can say with certainty is that this is a beautiful kozuka. Although there are no papers with this work, the quality of the work and the quality of the mei lead me to believe the probability of this work being shoshin is high.

I feel strongly enough about this kozuka that I will guarantee passing of hozon shinsa if submitted to the NBTHK through me within 1 year of purchase. All fees and/or risks related to shinsa, shipping, and insurance are the buyers responsibility.

$1500 plus S/H and any associated fees (PayPal, bank wire, etc.)