NAGATSUNE (KAO)

MEI: NAGATSUNE

DATE: NONE c. 1721-1787

Lovely kozuka depicting the Chinese Emperor Gentoku  on horseback. The front is done on a shibuichi base with gold, silver and shakudo highlights. The back is brass.

There is so much detail in this piece, so much to enjoy. The expressions on the face of the warrior and the horse really bring this one to life. Obviously, the work of a master.

Nagatsune was the founder of the Ichinomiya school.

His mei can be referenced for comparison in Baur pg. 390, Kinko Meikan pg. 330, Sesko’s Meikan pgs. 331-332.

*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.

SOLD