Ko Kinko mumei kozuka from the Muromachi period (古金工 無銘 小柄 室町時代). Kachimushi (勝虫 dragonfly) theme. Shakudo nanako-ji, takabori iroe (赤銅 魚子地, 高彫色絵). Featured in the book Jidai Mitokoro Shu published by
the Nihon Tosogu Bijutsukan (日本刀装具美術館 Japanese Sword Fittings Museum). This piece is a little shorter than works of the Edo period, but its width is exaggerated
in comparison with the length. This Kachimushi design is placed nicely in the center of the kozuka. This design trait is seen in a lot of works
from the Muromachi period from both the Ko Kinko and Ko Goto groups. It is an excellent piece with a majestic figure and shining eyes.
To the samurai, kachimushi were thought of as creatures that never took a step backward, but rather always moved forward, and because of that, were
a preferred design and they were often used as a motif on tosogu, maedate (前立 plume or decoration on a jingasa) and on Jinbaori (陣羽織 sleeveless
jacket) as well. This kozuka also has a thin Kibata (際端 edge or side) to emphasize both the relief and the strength of the design.
The iroe was finished with a thin film of gold using the uttori (うっとり) technique. The iroe has a primitive taste that is often seen on
fittings of the Muromachi and Momoyama periods, were it is intentionally made to look partially worn.
Length 100mm width 16.6mm.
