Images(2)

Kozuka with design of dried squid

Otsuki Mitsuoki (Japanese, 1766–1834)

Ôtsuki School (Japanese)

Early 19th century

Medium/TechniqueMain material: shakudo; surface treatment: ishime-ji; other metals: gold, copper and shibuichi; decorative technique: iroe takazogan

DimensionsOverall: 9.7 x 1.4 x 0.3 cm (3 13/16 x 9/16 x 1/8 in.)

Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection

Accession number11.23795

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsArms and armor

Collections

Asia

InscriptionsChinese couplet: Only when I respond to my true inner self do I have the skill to capture the subtlest detail with a stroke of my hammer 応心将得手　眇在一鎚中ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)

NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.