Nonume Grapevine Kozuka

The “kozuka” is the handle of a small knife carried in the “koshirae” (accessories) called “kogatana” and is integrated into Japanese “nihonto” culture, both as a status object and as a utensil. The “kozuka” is generally integrated into the “koshirae” of the sword, being stored in the sheath and in a recess of the “tsuba” (handguard). The “kozuka” is a tool that was added for functional use, sometimes alongside a “kogai” hairpin. During the rather stable Edo period, the decoration of the "kozuka" and other sword accessories expanded greatly and many hilts can be found in a wide variety of decorations and materials such as bronze, iron, gold and silver.

This example: Decorated with a fine gold inlay technique (nonume zogan). In the shape of a sword sheath with a medallion and a “kojiri” (cap). The middle part is decorated with vines and foliage. The vines bear a similarity to the “Karakusa” (唐草) pattern. The back is decorated with a cross-hatched layered silver cloud design.

Condition: Very good, some light items due to its age. Dimensions: Length: 9.6 cm Width: 14 mm Thickness: 4 mm Weight: 21gr.