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"A very rare kogai attributed to Goto SOJO (1487 - 1564), the 2nd mainline master of the Shirobei branch of the Goto family of sword furniture makers. Sojo is widely recognized as among the greatest craftsmen of the school, and his works are highly sought after, becoming cornerstones of any serious tosogu collection. He was the son of Yujo. His work resembles that of Yujo in style. It is noble and dignified, neither too strong nor to weak. There are only several pieces of works which are inscribed with his name. The shape of his kogai are often a bit more robust than those of his predecessors. The early Goto never signed their works, so attribution is made through experience, and sometimes through attestation by later members of the Goto lineage.
The kogai is made of deep black shakudo, with a very finely punched background of nanako. The motif, executed in high relief and having extraordinary detail, is of a dragon in a reverse layout." (Long) |
