HAMANO OKINARI

MEI: GYO NEN NANA JU SAI (MADE AT AGE 73)

HORIE OKINARI (KAO)

DATE: NONE c. 1749

Kozuka with a Cha or Tea motif. Various utensils used in the tea ceremony are placed on the shakudo nanako background. These items are a Chashaku or tea scoop, Furo or brazier, Kama or kettle, Hibashi or metal chopsticks used for the charcoal, and a simple Chabana or flower arraignment.

Horie Okinari descended from the Hamano school and was a student of Shozui who founded the Hamano school, then later he studied under Omori Teruhide.

It would seem odd for someone to fake this mei and go through the trouble to add the part relating to his age. However, stranger things have happened.

Personally, the work in this kozuka seems sub par for this school and I would assume it to be gimei.

When compared to several known mei, there are many differences seen in them. Okinari lived a long life and there are other mei recorded with his age, one at age 72. Over time his mei changed as is the case with most makers who work into old age. To me the mei doesn’t bother me as much as the Kao. As well, the quality of the work does not seem to be the level one would expect from a maker from this school.

*Ultimately, there were no papers found for this kozuka. As with any un-papered item, all information regarding the mei is only a translation of what is inscribed on the item. This and any other information given is done so as a courtesy only and is not an indication, opinion or guarantee of shoshin or anything for that matter. (see policy page). No guarantee or warranty shall be given or implied.

Items which are not accompanied by kanteisho (papers) are 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 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 descent condition.

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