Artwork preview

Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Kozuka is a dark gray color with a cylindrical shape. A gold-colored design resembling a dragon or a mythical creature is on top of it. The creature appears to have a long body and a head, and it is curled up. The creature's body is depicted in a flowing motion, with wavy lines suggesting movement. The background of the image is a plain light grey color.

Artwork details

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