AF26143 Nitokoro: Goto Kenjo (the 67th NBTHK Juyo Tosogu)

Ordering Number: AF26143

Kogai and Kozuka: (the 67th NBTHK Juyo Tosogu)
Inscription: Goto Kenjo 後藤顕乗 (written seal mark )

Kogai: design of Gyoban 魚板
Dimension: 21.0cm × 1.25cm (8.27in × 0.49in)

Kozuka: design of dragon stick and Hossu
Dimension: 9.59cm × 1.35cm (3.78in × 0.53in)

Era: the early Edo period

Features:
Goto Kenjo (1586–1663) was the 7th-generation head metalsmith of the main Goto family lineage. He later entered the service of the Kaga Maeda clan together with Goto Kakujō.

This work features a finely textured nanako ground of shakudō. carved in high relief: the kōgai with a gyoban (wooden fish gong), and the kozuka with a dragon monk’s staff and hossu (Buddhist fly whisk), all enhanced with vivid gold inlay. Each of these motifs represents ritual implements used in Zen Buddhism.

The gyoban is a wooden fish-shaped gong hung in temples. The pearl held in its mouth symbolizes worldly desires; striking the instrument signifies expelling those desires. Its dragon-like face likely derives from the Chinese legend of the tōryūmon, where a carp transforms into a dragon.

The motif of the dragon staff and hossu appears on certificates of enlightenment given by Hakuin Ekaku(白隠慧鶴, a prominent Zen monk) to his disciples. It is particularly interesting that this combination of motifs was already used in sword fittings prior to Hakuin.

The striking contrast of black and gold gives the piece a refined and sophisticated impression.

the 67th NBTHK Juyo Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper
In Kiri box