Kozuka scene

[pcfarrar]

Hi,

 

Anyone have any idea what place the scene on this Iron Kozuka might represent?

 

I was told it might be a shrine for Sugawara-no-Michizane with the plum blossom. I also can't work out what the brass oval piece represents?

 

Thanks,

 

Peter

 

[John A Stuart]

Hi Peter, The flowers are without a doubt plum blossoms, even the pavilion has them as decoration. Japanese gardens frequently have arches, in this case not a torii. Kenroku-en in Kanazawa has this type of arch. Many shrines were built to appease the Kami of Sugawara no Michizane, but the most famous is Dazaifu Tenmangu which has the famous plum tree Tobiume. I include a pic but am not aware if there is an arch there. John