Menuki showing signal fans in gold and shakudo, signed Kikuoka Mitsu Masa, whom the supplier dates 1759 to 1824. He is recorded as a pupil of Yanagawa Nao Mitsu who went on to lead the Kikuoka school. The supplier grades the piece as excellent condition. It is sold used and listed under Japanese Swords, Fittings and Firearms as SKU MGJ86.

For a Connecticut collector this is the kind of fitting that anchors a case: a named maker with recorded dates, a teacher-to-pupil line back to the Yanagawa school, and a condition grade of excellent. The signal fan subject sits comfortably beside other fittings on military themes. Given the attribution, it belongs on open display rather than under a handle wrap, where the signature would be hidden from view. Study the signature and the gold work in the photographs and keep the supplier's dates with the piece for your records.

Key features

• Menuki, signal fans in gold and shakudo
• Signed Kikuoka Mitsu Masa, 1759 to 1824
• Pupil of Yanagawa Nao Mitsu, led Kikuoka school
• Excellent condition
• Used, SKU MGJ86

This menuki ships straight to your Connecticut address; no dealer transfer applies.