| This kozuka depicts a scene of two men towing a thatched-roof boat along a riverbank. Delicate kebori (fine-line engraving) on a polished shibuichi ground portrays the two men pulling the boat with a long rope. The rope is tied to a vertical post at the bow of the boat, while beneath the thatched roof, a man wearing a headband is seen relaxing, propped up on one elbow. With simple yet skillful kebori, the metalworker captures the strength and movement of the men pulling the rope, the fine details of their clothing and straw raincoats, the tension of the rope, the structure of the boat, and even the subtle ripples on the water. Making full use of the subdued tone of the unadorned shibuichi ground, this charming kozuka conveys the atmosphere of the scene through a minimum of engraved lines. The metalworker, Goto Etsujo, was born in Kyoto in Kan'ei 19 (1642) as the second son of Goto Teijo. He founded the Rihei branch of the Goto family. Receiving an annual stipend of 150 koku from the Maeda family of Kaga Province, he traveled to and stayed in Kanazawa in alternate years with Goto Enjo, engaging in both metalwork and financial administration. He trained numerous disciples and contributed greatly to the development of the Kaga school of metalworkers. Together with the main Shirobei branch of the Goto family, he also served as an official supplier to the Tokugawa shogunate. He passed away in Kyoto in Hoei 5 (1708). This kozuka passed the NBTHK Hozon Tosogu shinsa in 2016. |
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