| This pair of menuki depicting bamboo grass is attributed to Ko-kinko. Bamboo grass has long been regarded in Japan as an auspicious motif, as it remains green throughout the winter, bends without breaking in strong winds, and was believed to possess the power to ward off evil spirits. The bamboo leaves are executed using the ancient fukuro-gise technique, in which a thin sheet of gold is folded over and secured into grooves cut along the sides of the shakudō base. Fukuro-gise is one of the representative techniques of Ko-kinko metalwork and required a remarkably high level of craftsmanship. The fukuro-gise leaves are delicately engraved with fine vein details, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep, rich color of the shakudō. The branches and leaves are pierced in openwork, lending the composition a light and graceful appearance. The pair retains the traditional inyō-kon construction, with convex and concave undersides. Although simple in design, this pair displays an outstanding sense of form and exceptional craftsmanship, making it an excellent example of Ko-kinko workmanship. It passed the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu shinsa in 2023. |
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