Knife Handle (Kozuka) 1775 - 1799

This is a knife handle, or Kozuka, made by Hamano Naoyuki in the late 18th century. It is crafted from dark bronze, with delicate gold inlays. The Kozuka’s surface is densely worked with figures of demons and deities. It is clear that these are made with careful chiseling and engraving. The dark bronze forms a perfect backdrop for the dynamic scene, with the gold providing a contrasting highlight. This wasn't simply a case of carving, but a testament to the artist's skill in metalworking. These knife handles were not merely functional; they were miniature artworks in their own right. This Kozuka reflects the values of the Samurai class, with high levels of craftsmanship designating their status. They were consumers of skilled labor, expressing social standing through the careful deployment of skill, material, and time. By emphasizing the processes of its making, we can appreciate how much more it is than just a utilitarian object, as the Kozuka blurs the boundary between craft and fine art.