NARITA EZUI: A FINE SILVER KOZUKA WITH KIKU By Narita Ezui, signed Narita Ezui Japan, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868) The silver kozuka beautifuly decorated in the front with a myriad of small chrysanthemum (kiku) flower heads and leaves. Signed to the reverse NARITA EZUI. Narita Eizui was a student of Kikugawa Chobei Muneyoshi (active 1716-1736) of the Kikugawa School. Kikugawa literally means Chrysanthemum and River. The finely chiselled Chobei-kiku (Chobei chrysanthemum) became so admired as a trademark of this school. LENGTH 9.8 cm WEIGHT 35.6 g Condition: Excellent condition with only minimal surface wear. Provenance: Hungarian private collection. Literature comparison: Compare with a short sword mounted with sword fittings by Narita Eizui at the Walters Art Museum, accession no. 51.1257.