Edo period (1615-1868) or earlier, a very fine yatate, which was a traveling writing set, decorated with a shakudo nanako-ji ground inlaid with gold horses in high relief, signed by an artist of the Goto school on the reverse, the Goto school founded in the 15th century and recognized as the leading family in skill and accomplishment with soft metal work having shogun leaders as their patrons.

Length 6.5 in.

From the estate of the late Harry Manning Precht, Cutchogue, New York

Sotheby's, New York.

The work of the Goto masters is characterized by designs carved in high relief on a ground of shakudo (an alloy of copper and gold chemically treated to turn a rich blue-black) and finished in nanako (tiny circles punched regularly over the surface to give it a granular appearance) with colorful accents in gold and silver. While earlier generations had not signed their work, the Goto masters near 1600 began to authenticate the work of their predecessors by engraving the backs of the pieces.

Good estate condition.

$400 - 800