Kokinko Kozuka

Yamagane kozuka with 5 oxen executed on a background of nanako.  Gold uttori remains in places as does black lacquer on areas of the plate.  The level of wear is indicative of the great age of this piece.  This kozuka comes with NTHK Kanteisho origami to Late Muromachi Ko Kinko with 70 points.  It is our opinion that this piece dates to the early part of the late Muromachi (ca. Eisho).  Although kokinko work is difficult to age-date with specificity until the late 16th c., there are some traits which can be considered earlier, generally speaking.  Two such traits are compositions involving 5-7 elements which fill the field, and in the case of animals, the figures being in varied poses.  The dynamism of the composition is reflective of this early period rather than the more symmetrical compositions of the late 16th c.  Finally, a subtle feature is that the kozuka seems long and slim.  Realistically, it is barely 1mm longer and narrower than  a later counterpart, but that slight variance in proportion, coupled with the 5 figures covering the entire field, give it a slender look.... also an early characteristic.

Published in:  Robert E. Haynes. Ltd.  Catalog #3, Number 81.  Pages 24 - 25.

It is interesting to note the Mr. Haynes felt this kozuka was considerably older than we have ascribed, placing it in the 14th c.

9.8 x 1.4 cm

Late Muromachi (earliest 16th c.)