Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art Auction
Lot 129:
Japanese Edo-Meiji Period Kodogu-Mounted Box Menuki, Kozuka and Sword Fittings
Description
Japanese School, Edo-Meiji Period
Kodogu-Mounted Decorative Box (Menuki, Kozuka & Sword Fittings Assemblage)
Description
A Japanese decorative box assembled in the late 19th century and mounted with an extensive assemblage of antique kodogu (sword fittings), including menuki and kozuka. The fittings date to the Edo period and are mounted decoratively on a hardwood box, likely assembled during the Meiji period. The mixed-metal elements display finely worked relief motifs and retain deep, naturally developed patination from earlier sword use.
Details
Artist / Attribution: Unknown artisans; assembled from antique Japanese kodĹŤgu
Date / Period:
Sword fittings: Edo period (late 18th-19th century)
Assembly: Meiji period, late 19th century
Medium: Mixed metals (shakudo, sentoku, copper alloys, brass) on hardwood box
Dimensions: Approx. 18 × 14 cm x 8.5, 3.25 x 5.5 x 7.25 inches.
Inscriptions / Marks: None observed; fittings unsigned
Condition: Overall good with age-appropriate wear; fittings show consistent patination and surface wear from prior use; some elements are missing; box with abrasions and handling wear, structure sound
Provenance: Private collection, Europe
Catalogue Note
Boxes of this type emerged in the late 19th century, when Edo-period sword fittings entered the art market and were recontextualized for domestic or export display. While not conceived as unified objects, such assemblages were valued for presenting numerous miniature examples of Japanese metal artistry in a single work. Today, they are collected as representative artifacts of the Edo-Meiji transition and the afterlife of samurai material culture.
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