Knife Handle (<i>Kozuka</i>) Depicting Shells on Beach (海辺に貝散図小柄)

Knife Handle (<i>Kozuka</i>) Depicting Shells on Beach (海辺に貝散図小柄)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The motif plate of this kozuka shows a beach with an arrangement of shells which are decorated with a differently colored abalone and mother-of-pearl inlay. The waves are decorated with a shell inlay as well. The areas that represent the beach show a sunago-zōgan inlay (lit. "sand inlay"). A kozuka is a handle of a by-knife that is part of a sword mounting. It is kept in a slot on the reverse of a katana scabbard, often with a matching kōgai (hairdressing tool).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Knife Handle (<i>Kozuka</i>) Depicting Shells on Beach (海辺に貝散図小柄)Knife Handle (<i>Kozuka</i>) Depicting Shells on Beach (海辺に貝散図小柄)Knife Handle (<i>Kozuka</i>) Depicting Shells on Beach (海辺に貝散図小柄)Knife Handle (<i>Kozuka</i>) Depicting Shells on Beach (海辺に貝散図小柄)Knife Handle (<i>Kozuka</i>) Depicting Shells on Beach (海辺に貝散図小柄)

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.