Kozuka - well carved male dragon

[Ron STL]

Just seeing if anyone has an opinion on where to place the maker of this very well-carved male dragon. Material is a yellow-brass (to my eyes) and my first thought was late Edo work but very well done work. Any thoughts guys and gals?

 

Ron H.

[sencho]

Ron,

 

What identifies this dragon as a "male"??

 

Cheers

[Brian]

End of the tail. Male dragon's tail ends with a ken, jewel or spade-like shape. Female, more rounded. Think I have this correct..

 

Very nice carving Ron. Not sure where it falls school-wise though...I would agree with late Edo work.

 

Brian

[Soshin]

Hi Ron H.,

 

Having good photographs of both sides of the kozuka is important for the identification.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles

[Ron STL]

The carving on this kozuka is quite nice as I mentioned earlier. Reverse side is simply polished yellow-brass (shinchu). The back plate is attached with the C-shape front plate which seems interesting. (I need to refresh my memory on what this means; likely Edo era method.) A friend not on the forum suggested Omori school, mid-Edo, and I think that is a good thought. He also referred to the dragon as being made in the style of Omori group, pointing out a similar dragon/kozuka on nihonto.com (FW site). If of Omori group, it is not as fine as if from Omori Teruhide but above just average I would say. Belongs to a good friend who will likely keep it for himself.

 

Ron H.

[Soshin]

Hi Ron H.,

 

I am thinking more inline with Mino school work circa late Edo Period. I don't see the Omori school characteristics but again I only have books with photos of Omori Teruhide and other master's work. Sorry can't be of more help has this is not my area of tosogu collecting.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles