looking for any info regarding this iron & copper kozuka

[KRM]

(Just so that everyone knows, i will probably sell this kozuka, and while i will not directly quote anyone here, i may use some info in my sale page).

 

Hello all!

 

I recently picked up this kozuka at an antiques fair in Kobe. It's not anything fancy, but it caught my eye and i think it has a certain charm.

 

I've been searching for info for about a week now, and thus far, have not had much luck. Most of what i've found applies to more valuable, soft metal kozukas. This one is iron, with some copper applied accents. On very close inspection (difficult to tell, even with a 10x loop), there is some sort of gold colored material applied in the joints of the plant. I can't determine if this material is the remains of what was originally a larger application or if it was originally intended to be this way. If anyone has any info about iron kozuka (or can point me in the right direction to look for myself) it would be greatly appreciated. I'm also wondering what variety of plant is represented here.

 

Many Thanks, Kevin

 

BTW: it's 3.75" in length. Additional photos can be seen here: http://www.marshalltradecorp.com/coDe/misc/kozuka_copper_and_iron.html

 

[Ford Hallam]

Hello Kevin,

 

Your kozuka is quite pretty, as you say. It would appear to be a fairly average ( to low quality ) piece most likely very late Edo period. The traces of "gold coloured material" are in fact the remains of a gold plating. That there is so little left on the copper base ( and the fact is was plated at all ) tells us it was not particularly special nor expensive when new.

 

I don't think a school could really be assigned but most likely made in Edo.

 

Just my opinions of course.

 

regards,

 

Ford

[KRM]

Ford, thanks for the info and response. I was curious about the gold issue and it's good to get some info on it.

 

Appreciate it,

Kevin