A PAIR OF JAPANESE GOLD KO-KINKO MENUKI

A PAIR OF JAPANESE GOLD KO-KINKO MENUKI

LATE MUROMACHI PERIOD, 16TH CENTURY

Modelled as small quails resting on sprays of millet, with Hozon Tosogu (Sword fitting Worthy of Preservation) certificate no.4004461 issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (The Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), dated 26th February 2014, in a kiri box, 3.5cm and 3.6cm respectively. (3)

Provenance: from a private European collection.

The name ko-kinko ('old metalwork') refers to early ornate fittings made before the Edo Period (1615-1868).