Artwork preview

Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The object is a long, dark-colored, rectangular handle with rounded edges. The handle is oriented horizontally. The handle features two figures. On the left of the handle is a man holding a long spear-like object. The man wears a hat and long-sleeved top. The man has a red face. The spear-like object is dark with gold embellishments. To the right of the man is a horse. The horse is mostly gold with a black mane and tail. The horse appears to be rearing up on its hind legs. The background of the image is light gray.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1615–1868
Medium:
Copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), gold, copper
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
599 × 337 px
Museum record:
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Palette