Menuki attributed to "Den Tokuoki" with NBTHK Hozon Tosogu. It is rare to see "Den" instead of "School" on late Edo and Meiji fittings, but here it is. "Den" means that it bears features of certain maker, but not enough to attribute something directly to him. Tokuoki is Sasayama Tokuoki from Otsuki School.
Sasayama Tokuoki was born in 1813 and died 1891. At the age of fifteen he started apprenticeship with Otuski Hideoki. According to online sources 20 of his items received Juyo and 2 Tokubetsu Juyo. He might not be so well know but some of his works are truly amazing.
Menuki decorated with male and female Shamo chickens. This breed was traditionally used for cockfighting in Japan.
Made of shibuichi with copper, shakudo and gold.
Size:
Male: 39 mm x 19 mm x 6 mm
Female: 31 mm x 23 mm x 6 mm
In custom made box.
