Help with Kinpun-Mei, possibly Hon'ami?

[Ronin 47]

Hello all,

 

Been awhile since I have posted anything, but I was hoping someone on here might be able to help me identify this Kinpun-Mei. First character looks like Kō(光) to me, so I was thinking possibly one of the Hon'ami? But given the condition I am a bit lost when it comes to the second character and the kao. 

 

Anyways, any and all help or suggestions would be most appreciated! 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Sincerely,

 

Austin  

[Ray Singer]

Look into Hon'ami Kotoku.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Man, you've got good eyes, Ray!

 

[Brian]

Wow. Fantastic Ray.

[Ronin 47]

Thank you very much Ray for pointing that out and Ken for the picture! It would appear that Kotoku is the best match

 

However, I have another question. I am not aware of any authenticated Kinpun-mei by Kotoku, so I am wondering if there is a record of him doing this? Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought Kinpun-mei didn't really become fashionable until the Meiji/Taishō period?

 

I have seen a few Kinpun-mei from 1720s, or theres abouts. But I can't recall seeing any done in the 17th century or Momoyama. Does anyone happen to know if Kinpun-mei goes back that early, and in particular, if Kotoku was known for doing them? 

 

Thanks again for the info and any help with this follow up question. 

 

Sincerely,

Austin 

[SteveM]

From Darcy Brockbank's site

 

https://blog.yuhindo.com/honami-origami-and-valuations/

 

The earliest Honami judge that we commonly encounter is Honami Kotoku who worked for Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was the 9th master of the Honami family and is held in very high regard. He did not leave many origami behind but he left gold inscriptions in the nakago of blades he judged.