| This is a kogai with design of Kōsekikō and Chōryō, attributed to the Gotō school.“Kōsekikō and Chōryō” is a famous story from ancient China in which the legendary strategist Zhang Liang (Chōryō) receives the secrets of military strategy from the sage Huang Shigong (Kōsekikō). According to the story, the young Zhang Liang encountered the elderly Huang Shigong on a bridge and was tested when the old man deliberately threw one of his shoes into the river and ordered him to retrieve it.This work depicts the dramatic moment when Huang Shigong calmly casts his shoe into the river, while Zhang Liang courageously moves toward the raging water to retrieve it despite the presence of a dragon in the waves. After retrieving the shoe and presenting it respectfully to Huang Shigong, Zhang Liang’s humility and character were recognized, and he was entrusted with a secret military text. He later became one of the greatest strategists in Chinese history and helped Liu Bang establish the Han dynasty. The subject symbolizes perseverance, patience, courage, and self-discipline.In this work, Huang Shigong is portrayed in a calm and static manner, while Zhang Liang is rendered dynamically as he fearlessly advances into the turbulent waves toward the dragon. The contrast between stillness and motion gives the composition remarkable tension and vitality.The piece is executed as a mushakumono work without inlays or iroe decoration. The deep blackish shakudō surface is especially beautiful, and the chisel work is refined and highly sophisticated, reflecting the dignified style associated with the Gotō school.Passed the 2013 Hozon Tosogu shinsa. |
Search
