Artwork preview

Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark brown, rectangular object with rounded edge on right side. Inlaid with gold and silver. Features a dragon on right with scales, claws, and flames. Dragon faces left. Snake to left of dragon, facing right. Lizard or salamander-like creature to left of snake, facing right. Small gold insect on far left. Gold flower on far right. Background is light gray.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1615–1868
Medium
Iron, copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold, copper
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
599 × 337 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette