| Suiryuken Masaharu was a metalworker of the Mito school who signed his works as a resident of Suifu (Mito). During the late Edo period, Mito metalworkers produced numerous fine works depicting historical figures, legendary tales, flowers, and birds, employing intricate carving techniques and a rich variety of colored metals. This kozuka depicts Guan Yu, the renowned general of the Shu kingdom in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Known as the "Lord of the Magnificent Beard" for his long, flowing beard, Guan Yu is portrayed with a commanding presence, holding his famous Green Dragon Crescent Blade (Seiryu Engetsu-to). His dignified figure is skillfully rendered in sukidashi-takabori, inlay, and iroe decoration on a polished shibuichi ground. The kozuka passed the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu shinsa in May 2026. |
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