Knife Handle (Kozuka)
Unknown Artist
A kozuka is a handle of a by-knife that is part of a sword mounting. It is kept in a slot on the reverse of a katana scabbard, often with a matching kōgai (hairdressing tool).
Credit: H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
c. 1615-1868
Iron, gold, copper, silver, copper-silver alloy (shibuichi)
9.7in
29.100.1242
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection