Artwork preview

Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The object depicted is a dark gray, rectangular handle with rounded edges. The handle, titled "Knife Handle (Kozuka)" and created by an unspecified artist, features a raised design in gold on its surface. The design consists of a mythical creature with a large head and mouth, and a long, curved tail. The creature appears to be emerging from or surrounded by flames or waves. The background of the image is a light gray color.

Artwork details

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