T143.  Kotsuka, shakudo with gold highlights, signed Kumagai Yoshiyuki with a kao.  This is an usually thick and heavy kotsuka, 9.6 x 1.5 x .9 cm.  Robert Haynes gives 1825-50 as working dates for Yoshiyuki and says he worked as a retainer in the Edo compound of the Hosokawa Daimyo of Kumamoto in Higo.

This kotsuka is very impressive; the carving is amazing.  There are a few slight dings to the back of the piece; everything on the front is in excellent condition.  $400.