Here is a bonus item for #NationalLobsterDay that I found while searching the Met collection because I’m just loving this clever design:
Japan, c. 1615–1868
copper-gold alloy (shakudō) and gold
L 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm) x 9/16 in. (1.4 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 1.3 oz. (36.9 g)
Metropolitan Museum of Art 29.100.1259
FYI: “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).” (You can find a full list of terms for all the various ornate components of Japanese sword mountings here.)
sharing is caring:
