Artwork preview

Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A long, thin, rectangular object with a black background and gold border, titled "Knife Handle (Kozuka)" by an unknown artist. The object has a textured black surface. There are 8 birds in flight, made from metal, in various positions, alternating between copper and silver colors. The birds have distinct shapes, with visible wings, bodies, and heads. The object is set against a plain white background. The gold border surrounds the entire object and appears worn at the edges.

Artwork details

Date:
late 18th–early 19th century
Medium:
Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold, copper, silver
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
599 × 337 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette