AF26084 Mitokoromono Set (Kogai, Kozuka, Menuki): Kozuka and Kogai: Goto Mitsumori Menuki: Unsigned (attributed to Mitsumori) (Juyo Tosogu, 37th Designation)

Order No.: AF26084

Mitokoromono Set (Kogai, Kozuka, Menuki): “Kōsekikō and Chōryō” Design (Juyo Tosogu, 37th Designation)

Signature:
Kozuka and Kogai: Goto Mitsumori
Menuki: Unsigned (attributed to Mitsumori)
小柄、笄：後藤光守、目貫：無銘（光守）

Kogai:
Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 1.25 cm

Kozuka:
Dimensions: 9.75 cm x 1.46 cm

Menuki: Unsigned*
Dimensions 1: 3.75 cm x 1.57 cm
Dimensions 2: 3.74 cm x 1.57 cm

Features:
A mitokoromono set on shakudo nanako ground depicting Kōsekikō and Chōryō in high relief carving (the menuki are carved in sunk relief), decorated with colored inlays.

Description:
Goto Keijo Mitsumori was the third son of the 12th mainline master, Jujo Mitsumasa. He was born in Kanpo 1 (1741), and his real name was Mitsuhashi, while his common name was Kichigoro.

As the 13th mainline master Mitsutaka had no heir, Mitsumori became the adopted son of his elder brother Mitsutaka. After Mitsutaka’s death, he succeeded as the 14th head of the Goto mainline family and changed his name to Goto Shirobei Mitsumori.

This work depicts the famous Chinese historical theme of Kōsekikō and Chōryō, one of the most frequently represented subjects in Japanese sword fittings. The story portrays the young Chōryō, who would later become a great military strategist serving Emperor Gaozu of Han, receiving the secrets of military strategy from the old sage Kōsekikō.

The kogai illustrates the dramatic scene in which Kōsekikō tests Chōryō’s courage by dropping his shoe from a bridge into the river, where Chōryō retrieves it while struggling against a great serpent. The menuki depict the moment Chōryō receives the teachings of military strategy, while the kozuka portrays Kōsekikō crossing an earthen bridge on horseback.

The work is carefully executed in the solid and refined carving style characteristic of the Goto mainline school. Signed works by Mitsumori are comparatively rare, making this piece an important and valuable reference example.

Period: Edo period

Comes in a paulownia wood box
Aoi Art estimation paper
Juyo Tosogu, 37th Designation