Artwork preview

Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark brown, cylindrical object with rounded edges. Two small, circular inlays on the left side, one gold and blue, the other silver. A design on the right side featuring a dragon or other mythical creature in shades of gold, black, and white, surrounded by swirling patterns and foliage. The object appears to be made of metal and has a worn, aged appearance.

Artwork details

Date:
19th century
Medium:
Copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), gold, silver
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
599 × 337 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette