SEVEN KODOGU (SWORD FITTINGS)Edo period (1615-1868), 18th to 19th centuryThe first a fuchi-gashira (hilt collar and pommel), shakudo nanako inlaid in relief of gold, silver, copper, and shibuichi with a male and female pheasant and grasses, converted into a small box, signed Yoshitaka with a kao (Ishiguro Yoshitaka, circa 1850, Haynes 12141); the second a kozuka (knife handle), copper, chiselled and inlaid in gold and silver with a pilgrim who has just stuck senjafuda (votive stickers) to a torii (shrine entrance), writing the kozuka's signature with a brush, with signature Shozui; the third a tsuba (hand guard), iron, in the form of a Buddhist temple bell, chiselled and inlaid in relief of gold, silver, copper, and shibuichi with two Noh actors, the reverse with a Hannya demon mask and rake, signed Fujiwara Katsunori (circa 1875, Haynes 02858), 9.6cm (3 13/16in) high; the fourth a tsuba, circular, shakudo nanako applied with a gilt rim, both sides chiselled in relief with a net, inlaid in relief of gold, silver, and copper with the fisherman protagonist of the Noh drama Hagoromo (The Feather Robe) wearing the magic garment he has found on Miho no Matsubara beach and looking up two chidori ('wave birds' or plovers), the reverse with clouds and three more birds, with signature Tsu Jinpo, 7.3cm (2 7/8in) high; the fifth a tsuba, aorigata (tapering shape), copper nanako, inlaid in relief gold, silver, shakudo, and copper with gokoku (the 'five grains'), signed Goto Mitsuyoshi with an elaborate kao (Goto Shinjo, 1780-1843, Haynes 08644), 6.1cm (2 3/8in) high; the sixth a tsuba, oval, sentoku with a stippled surface, inlaid in relief of gold, silver, and shakudo with a potted fukujuso (Adonis amurensis, literally 'plant of fortune and longevity') set out on New Year's Day, a shimenawa (sacred rope), and the rising sun, signed Mitsuyoshi with a kao, 6.3cm (2½in) high; the seventh a tsuba, rounded rectangular, shibuichi, chiselled and inlaid with wild chrysanthemums, susuki (plume grass), the crescent moon, and clouds, signed Shuzuiken Kiyoaki (circa 1875, Haynes 03227), 6.5cm (2 9/16in) high. (9).This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
