High Quality Shakudo wave motif Owari Kozenji school Tsuba
Owari Kozenji refers to a specific school of artisans from Japan’s historical Owari Province (modern-day Aichi Prefecture) known for producing high-grade, decorative sword fittings (tosogu), particularly tsuba (handguards), during the Edo period. The school is known for its delicate metalwork, often using shakudo (a gold and copper alloy) with intricate inlays.
Characteristics of Owari Kozenji Tsuba
- Material: While the broader Owari school is famous for its iron tsuba, the Kozenji works are primarily known as Owari kinko (meaning they used non-ferrous metals) and often utilize shakudo.
- Design: Kozenji pieces feature detailed carving and inlay work, often incorporating natural elements and family crests (mon).
- Technique: They frequently use techniques such as hira zogan (flat inlay) of gold and copper and iroe (colouring) to achieve complex patterns.
- Attribution: Kozenji works are often unsigned (mumei), so attribution is based on the distinct style, quality of craftsmanship, and composition.
- Rarity: Pieces from the Kozenji school are considered quite rare, making them highly sought after by collectors.
