Kantei

NH-0697 Rank 29

Kozuka · Gotō (Mon Kōjō, Mitsuyoshi)

光美 (Mitsuyoshi)

Shakudō nanako kozuka with a gold shishi and peony branch, attributed on the piece itself to Gotō Kōjō by Mitsuyoshi; NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon paper.

KozukaLate Edo (1781–1868)Late Edo period (attribution inscription)NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōsōgu

Photographs by the seller at origin.

Description

Kozuka in the Gotō tradition with the eda-botan shishi-zu theme: a shishi and a flowering peony branch in gold, in high relief on a shakudō ground of fine, even nanako, framed by a gilt rim. The reverse is a gold plate with a streaked finish, engraved with the inscription 紋光乗 光美 (Mon Kōjō Mitsuyoshi) and a kaō: an attribution (kiwame-mei) in which Mitsuyoshi, of the Gotō family, certifies that the gold kinmon are the work of Gotō Kōjō, fourth master of the main line. The carving of the kinmon is careful, with the shishi's mane and the peony petals clearly defined. The photographs show the piece in very good condition: crisp nanako, deep black shakudō and gold without visible wear. The NBTHK paper, Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu, dated 2025, describes it as shakudō nanako-ji with kinmon and records the inscription. The original seller gives dimensions of 9.74 × 1.47 cm and a paulownia box without inscription.

Strong points

  • NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu paper
  • Gold kinmon attributed to Gotō Kōjō
  • Attribution inscription with kaō by Mitsuyoshi
  • Fine, even shakudō nanako; gold plate reverse
  • Very good condition according to the photographs

Points to bear in mind

  • The inscription is an attribution by Mitsuyoshi, not Kōjō's own signature
  • The period is inferred from the inscription; the original seller states early Edo
  • The paulownia box carries no hakogaki

Score breakdown

68/100

The score shares out 100 points: Maker 25 · Workmanship 20 · Condition 18 · Period 12 · Paper 10 · Extras 5 · Price 10. It is computed from the record, not from an opinion. Maker, workmanship, condition and period are judged from the photographs and the paper; price is compared only with fittings of the same type.

  1. Maker 25 of 25 Genuine signature of a first-rank master, confirmed by the paper
  2. Workmanship 15 of 20 Notable work
  3. Condition 18 of 18 Excellent condition
  4. Period 5 of 12 Late Edo (1781–1868)
  5. Paper 4 of 10 NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōsōgu
  6. Extras 0 of 5 No complete set by the same maker and no inscribed box
  7. Price 1 of 10 Rank 53 of 59 by price among pieces of its type, from the most affordable to the dearest