ko-mino zodiac menuki

This is a rare and important set of solid gold Ko-Mino menuki dating to the Muromachi period, featuring a highly unusual and culturally significant Chinese zodiac theme. Each menuki depicts six zodiac animals, for a total of twelve figures across the pair—representing the complete cycle of the Eastern zodiac. The workmanship is consistent with early Mino school traditions, with dynamic carving and crisp modeling that conveys energy and motion despite the small scale. Executed in rich gold, the figures display both the boldness and rustic charm characteristic of early Ko-Mino work, prior to the stylized refinement of later Goto or Edo-period Mino styles. The set is unsigned (無銘, mumei), as is common for fittings of this age and type, and has been awarded the Hozon Tōsōgu certificate (保存刀装具鑑定書) by the NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai), affirming its authenticity and historical importance. The menuki are housed in a custom silk-lined wooden presentation box with a brocade cover, further attesting to their value and care. Ko-Mino menuki in solid gold are rare in any motif, and sets with the full zodiac cycle are exceptionally scarce, making this a superb acquisition for collectors of early tosogu or esoteric sword furnishings.