Knife Handle (Kozuka) 1701 - 1760

This knife handle, or kozuka, was crafted by Furukawa Jochin in Japan. Its surface reveals a scene filled with flowing lines evoking water, clouds, or perhaps even wind, surrounding figures in a dynamic composition. Consider the serpent-like dragon, a symbol of strength and transformation, intertwined here with human forms. The dragon, ubiquitous across cultures, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Far East, embodies primal energy. Here, the way the figures are intertwined reflects a deep engagement with mythological themes. Do we see a scene from folklore, perhaps a deity bestowing power? The image is not static; it moves and breathes. Such serpentine forms echo through history. Think of the caduceus, entwined snakes symbolizing medicine, or the dragon slain by heroes. This image taps into our collective unconscious, a memory that binds us to ancestors. The emotional weight of this image lies in its ability to evoke awe, fear, and respect for the natural and supernatural worlds. These symbols persist, constantly being reinterpreted.