KOZUKA HOTEI

HAMANO SCHOOL

MEI: SHOJUKEN NORIYUKI (NIDAI)

DATE: c. 1771-1852

Kozuka in silver and shakudo depicting a reclining Hotei (?) with a fan. The reverse is shakudo and silver with the mei which reads Shojuken Noriyuki. The nidai used Shojuken as one of his go. The silver plate has worn thin on one end and there are a few scuffs, nothing serious.

The founder of the Hamano school was Shozui who was the student of Nara Toshinaga who is one of the Nara Sansaku or three great masters.  Shozui is considered the fourth great master of Nara. Noriyuki, shodai was a student of Shozui. He was so talented that is was given use of the Hamano name along with his artist name Noriyuki at the age of 15-17. Shodai Noriyuki died in 1787 at age 52. Nidai Noriyuki became head of the school in 1795 and died in 1852.

References: Bauer pg. 392, Haynes H 07455.0, Sesko’s Toso Kinko Schools pg. 154-155, Sesko’s MEIKAN-Swordfittings pg. 393.

*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. Most importantly the quality of the work is not the standard one would expect from a maker of this level. 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.

With that said, this kozuka would work well mounted on a koshirae or for someone on a budget as it is in mountable condition.

$150 plus S/H and any associated fees (PayPal, bank wire, etc.)