GOTO EIJO: A MASTERFUL INLAID SUAKA (REFINED COPPER) LOBED KORO WITH MYTHICAL BEASTS Signed Goto Eijo with kakihan Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Supported on a lobed base with four feet, the lobed sides of the koro with two reserves framed by scrolling clouds, inlaid with copper and gold depicting a baku to one side and a mythical creature with the body of a kirin and the head of a phoenix to the other, both against ishime ground while the surrounding body shows a finely polished surface, the openworked cover surmounted by a koma-inu (Korean Buddhist lion) in shibuichi with gilt eyes, the underside with the signature GOTO EIJO with a kakihan within a rectangular silver-inlaid reserve. HEIGHT 14.6 cm WEIGHT 736.0 g Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, the koma-inu slightly loose. Provenance: French private collection, old collector's label to interior. Although the present koro is signed Goto Eijo (1577-1611), it is likely crafted as an homage to the famous Goto school master by a member of the Goto school during the Meiji period. Goto Eijo was the 6th main-line master of the famous Goto school and rarely signed his work, see Haynes, Robert (2001) The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, no. H 00431.