Thoughts on this Dragon Kozuka?

[Winchester]

I recently saw this and had some questions for the group. Is this a higher quality Kozuka in your opinion? Gold? Old?

 

General thoughts?

 

Thank you in advance.

[1kinko]

Beat up.

[Matsunoki]

With just one image it’s not easy. However to my old eyes it looks like a poor quality cheaply made kozuka onto which has been stuck a gold plated dragon…..possibly an old menuki. The quality of the actual base plate (pressed?) and frame etc does not suggest we are looking at a solid gold dragon. Such pieces were quickly produced during and after Meiji to satisfy the demands of the eager, rich but easily fooled gaijin of the period. Called shiremono I think? (I always spell that wrongly)

Could be wrong of course 🙂

[Winchester]

Here's a photo with different lighting, which may help.

 

If it is junk or decent quality, it doesn't matter to me. I simply like it and would like to be objective and learn more. Thank you for any feedback you may share.

[Matsunoki]

Can we see the back please?

[Jorgensen]

I couple more pics to judge from would be great. Some more clear/close up of nanako and dragon. Made to look in style of Goto school is my first impression. Probably a later Edo or Meiji piece. These are not uncommon and can look quite fashionable at first glance. 

[Matsunoki]

“In hand”, what do these areas look like? Residue of glue/solder or the shadow of something that was attached previously?

[Jorgensen]

9 minutes ago, Matsunoki said:

@Matsunoki Good eyes! And good question as well. I am curious too. Just might be dirt, but could be anything. A clear picture would be great

 

 

[Franco]

The Japanese have a saying "bad swords hurt your eyes."

That saying applies to fittings as well. 

My eyes are burning right now.

 

The Japanese also advise to study and learn from the best nihonto.

That advice applies to sword furniture, too. 

 

Quality is very poor; gold, shakudo.

While the nankako itself isn't terrible, it is at best average. 

 

Agree, dragon is Goto style but similarity ends there, detail matters.

 

Agree, this dragon looks to be a replacement for something else, composition is poor.

 

There's no objective in liking. 

 

Regards

 

 

 

Desire is the cause of suffering.