Details
PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION

A round shakudo tsuba
Signed Goto Mitsutaka (1721-1784) with kao (cursive monogram), Edo period (18th century)
The round shakudo tsuba with a fine nanako-ji ground applied with gold rim, designed with three flying cranes in gilt
2.5 in. (6.35 cm.)
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Lot Essay

The thirteenth-generation of Goto school artist, Goto Mitsutaka (1721-1784) was born in Edo as the son of Goto Mitsumasa. Mitsutaka was received in audience with the eighth Tokugawa Shogun, Yoshimune (1716-1745) on the 3rd May 1742 right after his father's death. He supervised the Goto school for over forty years.

The long-necked crane is said to live a thousand years, sharing the world of immortals in Daoist lore. Because cranes are monogamous, they are a symbol of happy marriage and one the most enduringly popular motifs in Japanese art.

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