Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Long, dark brown rectangular object with flat top and bottom. The object has a smooth surface with subtle scratches and marks. Four figures are attached to the top of the object. The first figure on the left is a man wearing a traditional Japanese outfit, holding a bow and arrows. He is made of inlaid metal, with gold and silver details. The second figure is a man wearing a dark robe, holding a long-handled tool, possibly a scythe or a rake. He appears to be sweeping or harvesting. The third figure is partially obscured but appears to be a tool or implement. The fourth figure on the right is a woman wearing a traditional Japanese outfit, standing next to a box or chest. She is also made of inlaid metal with gold and silver details. The background of the image is a plain gray color. The title of the piece is "Knife Handle (Kozuka)" by an unknown artist.