| Yatagarasu is a sacred three-legged crow in Japanese mythology, said to have guided Emperor Jimmu from Kumano to Yamato. It is regarded as a symbol of guidance and victory. This pair of menuki is executed in the chūya (day-and-night) style, depicting Yatagarasu with its wings spread wide on a dark shakudo ground, paired with the rising sun emerging from the clouds on a lighter shibuichi ground. Both pieces are skillfully rendered in katachibori (three-dimensional carving). The crow's feathers and three legs are finely detailed, while the rising sun is highlighted with gold iroe decoration. The maker, Yokoya Munetsugu, was a metalworker of the Yokoya school during the mid Edo period. Continuing the tradition established by Yokoya Somin, he produced works demonstrating refined craftsmanship and technical skill. These menuki passed the NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu shinsa in 2026. |
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