Artwork preview

Knife Handle (Kozuka)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image shows a long, rectangular metal object. The object is oriented horizontally, with a dark bronze color and visible signs of aging and wear. The left side appears smoother and darker than the right side. The right side features an embossed design of leaves and a bird-like creature, and two circular inlays - one dark and one light-colored. The background is a light gray color. The object is a Kozuka, or knife handle.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold, copper
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
599 × 337 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette