Kozuka with design of woodgrain pattern. Unsigned.

Mid-to-late Edo period Shakudo, Copper, Gold

Mokume Gane Kozuka Unsigned
  • Mokume Gane Kozuka Unsigned
  • Mokume Gane Kozuka Unsigned

  • 【 Dimensions(mm)】
  • L 98.0 x W 14.6 x T 4.0 / 29.3g
  • 【 Date of production 】
  • Mid-to-late Edo period
  • The top piece is a kozuka with a flower and bird design. It is extremely delicate and an exceptional example of the craft of metalsmithing.
    The middle piece shows sea creatures against a background of mokume gane. The mokume gane stands out in the flow of water in this heart-warming, fantasy-like design.
    The bottom piece is a kozuka from the late Edo period that is thought to be from the Takahashi School. The two crests done in gold inlay cannot be taken as a specific family crest design, but as ornamental design elements. Overseas corporate brand monograms also have their roots in this type of crest design.
    The fan-shaped crest belongs to the Satake Clan for whom Shoami Denbei worked as a craftsman.
Sword and Tsuba (Sword Gard) Parts
  • Tsuka:Sword handle
  • Fuchi:Metal collar on sword handle
  • Kashira:Metal pommel (or butt cap) at tip of handle
  • Menuki:Ornamental rivets on the tsuka. They also prevent the hand from slipping.
  • Tsuba:Sword guard fitted between the handle and the blade, to protect the hand holding the handle
  • Kurikata:Fitting near the sayaguchi (opening of scabbard) for attaching the sageo
  • Kojiri:Ornamental fitting at the tip of the saya (scabbard)
  • Kôgai:A utensil shaped like a chopstick that fitted into the scabbard and was used to tie back hair
  • Kozuka:The handle of a small knife that fitted into the scabbard, or the small sword itself
  • Kawaragane:Fittings attached to the part where the kozuka was stored
  • Koiguchi:The opening, or mouth, of the scabbard
  • Sageo:The cord used to attach the sword to the obi
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