Ezo Saya Kanagu

This is a very large, early saya kanamono in the ezo style. The Design represents stags playing amongst maple trees. The execution is simple yet vivid. It is likely that this kanamono was covered completely in gold, as there are places here and there where the gold still remains. This type of kanamono would have decorated the outside of the scabbard of a koshigatana or uchigatana mount, rather than the handle.  It is not uncommon that this type of kanagu did not come in pairs, rather a single kanagu decorated the outward side of the scabbard, so it being a single piece does not detract from its quality. The base metal is yamagane.   It is a very deep relief and there is still some "yani" pitch remaining in places from when it was glued to the outside of the scabbard. The subject and execution is a very good representative of high quality kanamono smiths working around Kyoto from the Kamakura through the Muromachi Periods. A rare piece that is worthy of the best collections.

Comes with specially fitted Kiri Wood box

Dimensions: 8.5cm x 2.4cm

Era: Muromachi 15th century
 

 $1000