Design of Paulownia

Gotō Jōshin, the third-generation head of the Gotō family following Yūjō, served Ashikaga Yoshiharu and Yoshiteru. His period of activity falls squarely within the Sengoku era, around the Tenbun period, and he is said to have died in battle at Sakamoto in Ōmi during a conflict with the Azai clan.
His style is characterized by bold, dynamic forms, with high relief and deep carving that convey a powerful, martial spirit. This pair of menuki is a characteristic example of Jōshin’s work—large in scale and richly decorative. The composition of paulownia blossoms, rendered in vigorous motion and layered in succession, creates a striking sense of energy and presence.
The gold iroe is applied in a manner akin to fukuro-gise (uttori), creating a rich and sumptuous effect, while the shakudō is of a deep, lustrous black and of exceptional quality. While grounded in the refined traditions of the Gotō family, the work also embodies the bold and spirited character of the Sengoku period.
The reverse also retains a strong sense of period, and the absence of reinforcement around the stems (chikara-gane) is a notable feature characteristic of the Muromachi period.
In every respect, this is an outstanding example of menuki by Jōshin.