Knife Handle (Kozuka)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1615–1868
Medium
Copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), copper, gold, copper-gold alloy (shakudō)
Dimensions
L. 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm); W. 9/16 in. (1.4 cm); thickness 1/4 in. (0.6 cm); Wt. 1 oz. (28.3 g)
Classification
Sword Furniture-Kozuka
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Accession Number
91.1.862
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Knife Handle (Koz)* hails from Japan during the Edo period (. 1615–1868), a time of relative peace when samurai culture flourished and elaborate sword fittings became prized works of art. As part of a warrior's ensemble, the kozuka served as the handle for a small utility knife (kozukatana) tucked into the sword scabbard, blending functionality with stunning decoration. Crafted anonymously, it exemplifies the meticulous artistry of Japanese metalworkers who elevated arms and armor into collector's items. The handle is masterfully fashioned from shibuichi—a copper-silver alloy ...