MEI: NAOHIRO (KAO)

DATE: NONE c. LATE EDO

Nice kozuka in brass depicting the Chinese General Kwanyu with gold and silver highlights. He is shown seated at a table and is either reading or writing a document with his halberd propped within reach behind him. Kwanyu was canonized as an immortal in 1128 by Kao Tsung and was deified as God of War in1594 and was raised to the same status as Confucius being, chief object of national worship.

The kozuka is signed Naohiro and is in excellent condition. There was a Naohiro from the Yamnagawa school and ties to the Hamano family. This kozoku certainly has a Hamano feel about it.

*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.

$1600 plus S/H and any associated fees (PayPal, bank wire, etc.)