Q569.  Kotsuka in shibuichi with gold and silver, signed Yanagawa Naomasa and kao.  1.5 x 9.6 cm.  According to the Robert Haynes Index and the NBTHK, Yanagawa Naomasa, 1692 – 1757, was the 2nd son and heir of Masatsugu, student of the 1st Yokoyo Soyo.  He studied with the 1st Yokoyo Somin out of the Yoshioka School; he and his father are considered the founders of the Yanagawa School.  There is no paper so I can’t guarantee the signature but, the work sure is fine.  A monkey in a robe sits on a perch; 2 butterfiles flit above.  This must hearken to some Japanese folklore but, as usual, I don’t know which.  On the back above the signature, a dragonfly is carved in katakiribori.

Photographing kinko is tough; hard to get the color right.  In hand this piece is darker brown, less brass colored than in my pictures.  Condition is excellent; I can’t find a scratch on it.  $595.