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'GOTO INJO'
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'GOTO INJO'
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| Provenance: Elliott D. Long | $4500.00 |
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A dignified and excellent kogai attributed to Goto Injo (1586 - 1663), the 7th mainline master of the Shirobei branch of the Goto family of sword furniture makers. Injo is not as widely known as his famous father Tokujo. His manner of using the chisel greatly resembled that of Kojo. The fidelity and chastity of his work force themselves into notice. During the Kwanyei era (1625-1643) his services were engaged by the feudal chief of Kaga and made it a custom to live in Kaga every second year. The motif is of sea shells and sea weed. Injo used a broad palate of themes, metals and techniques. His father's work has the characteristic of strong surface modeling, and many specimens are scarcely distinguishable from Injo's motifs. Injo's work maintains the height and depth of carving, while moderating the size of objects and increasing the amount of detail and scope of composition. I believe this kogai reflects the mood and look of the late 16th century. I feel that the current attribution to Injo by Dr. Torigoye confirms a 1st class masterpiece. The kogai is made of black shakudo (赤銅), with a very finely punched background of nanako (魚子地). Gold foil has been applied to one seashell and sections of the seaweed. The other seashell and seaweed affixed to the plate is carved in solid shakudo. The fine nanako on the plate is a little worn down outside of the high relief motif. This is a normal characteristic of old kogai. I have been privileged to be able to study in comparison, kogai by successive masters of the Goto main line. For reference, see kogai by Kojo's father Joshin here, and grandfather Sojo here. Take the time to compare and contrast the pieces, it's very educational. (E. Long) |
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  Hakogaki attribution by Dr. Torigoye, Pre Edo, 1st Class Masterpiece |
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A Collaboration of Robert E. Haynes and Elliott D. Long |
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| Return To Tsuba Collective Robert Haynes / Elliott Long Articles -- Tutorial Email elliott@shibuiswords.com |