Shakudo nanako mitokoromono decorated with warosoku, Japanese candles. Japanese candles differ from wester ones both in shape and material. While there are many different shapes in general warosoku are thicker on top and thiner on the bottom. This feature is clearly visible on this mitokoromono.
Warosoku is an extremely rare depiction on sword fittings. In Japan candles are mostly used for spiritual purposes, considered necessary tool for communicating with ghosts and spirits. They are used in Buddhist and Shinto shrines, in house shrines, graveyards.
I think that it is very important that candles are not lit here, but still in bundles and on the side. I would like to understand more about this theme but I am afraid that my knowledge of Japanese culture is not sufficient.
Made of shakudo with gold and silver inlay.
In my opinion if submitted for NBTHK Shinsa this set would receive Kyo-Kinko attribution.
Made in Edo period.
