Artwork preview

Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a knife handle, Kozuka, with a dark gray or black rectangular body. The handle features a curved design with four birds inlaid on it. The birds are made of different materials, likely metal, and have distinct colors. Two birds are light-colored, one is darker with a yellow beak and legs, and the fourth bird is mostly dark with yellow and orange accents on its wings and feet. The background of the image is a light gray color. The Kozuka appears to be made by an unknown artist.

Artwork Details

Date
1843
Medium
Copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), gold, silver, copper, copper-gold alloy (shakudō)
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
599 × 337 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette