81 - A FINE AND EXTENSIVE SHAKUDO ‘CHRYSANTHEMUM AND WAVES’ TACHI MOUNTING SET, WITH A MATCHED ‘DRAGON AND WAVES’ KOZUKA AND KOGAI

A FINE AND EXTENSIVE SHAKUDO ‘CHRYSANTHEMUM AND WAVES’ TACHI MOUNTING SET, WITH A MATCHED ‘DRAGON AND WAVES’ KOZUKA AND KOGAI The fuchi signed Yoshikazu with kakihan, the kozuka blade signed Kinkazan Fujiwara no Kanesada Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Comprising an extensive suite of five matching shakudo tachi fittings, including a kabutogane, fuchi, kuchikanamono, kurikata, and ishizuki, each finely carved in takabori with densely swirling, stylized waves, their flowing contours accentuated by delicate silver-inlaid kiku (chrysanthemum) blossoms. The fuchi signed YOSHIKAZU with kakihan. Accompanied by a finely matched shakudo nanako kozuka and kogai, each richly worked in takabori and gold takazogan with sinuous dragons emerging amid crashing waves. The kozuka fitted with its original-style steel blade, incised Kinkazan Fujiwara no Kanesada. LENGTH 21.7 cm (kogai), 21.3 cm (kozuka and blade) WIDTH 4.1 cm (kabutogane) Provenance: From the private collection of Alan and Simone Hartman, New York. Alan Hartman (1930-2023) was a prominent American art dealer and proprietor of the renowned Rare Art Gallery on Madison Avenue, New York. Together with his wife Simone, he assembled a distinguished collection over more than half a century, particularly noted for its Japanese netsuke, inro, and lacquer. The couple were also generous patrons of major American museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which inaugurated the Alan and Simone Hartman Galleries in 2013. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and light traces of use. With two fitted wood storage boxes, one containing the tachi fittings and the other the kozuka and kogai. The significance of this ensemble lies in its unusual breadth, preserving five corresponding tachi mounts alongside a finely matched kozuka and kogai. While the two groups feature distinct decorative subjects, their shared dark shakudo grounds, contrasting silver and gold embellishments, and recurring wave motifs create a striking visual harmony. Together, these seven pieces offer a particularly comprehensive illustration of the artistry and refinement of Edo-period sword furniture, allowing the intricate workmanship of an elaborate mounting to be appreciated across several complementary components.