Request for information for a kura and a Horagai.

[dimitri]

Hello everyone, I hope I am in the right section. An acquaintance offers me a Kura and a Horagai as a set.

The kura is from the Edo period, there are also protective mats for the horse. The Horagai is from the beginning or middle of the Edo period and not Meiji according to him, it measures 44cm. The tip is made of lacquered wood with burlap.

I find the lot interesting, he offers me 1900 euros per lot (the kura 1200€ and the Horagai 700) but I don't know anything about it at all but I would like to have a Kura and the war conch in my collection.

I would like to know what you think about it? Is it a good deal or not and at the right price?

Thanks in advance.

 

[uwe]

Hi Dimitri,

 

both pieces are “looking old”, but that means not much. Kura were made over a long timespan almost unchanged. Hence judging age is very difficult and needs a lot of experience. Mid/ late Edo period specimens tend to come very adorned with elaborate maki-e, mother of pearl…etc. Some are dated and (or) signed at the underside. The signatures are mostly done in black ink or engraved. Do you have a picture?

No clue about the horagai, sry.

 

These saddles fetching quite high prices from time to time (depending on quality, condition and age). So it seems not overpriced at a glance. 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

With those Mon patterns, it could be Christian.

[dimitri]

Thank you, I will inquire to see if there is any signature on the Kura. THANKS