Knife Handle (Kozuka) 19th century

This 19th-century Japanese kozuka, or knife handle, is a beautifully crafted example of the metalwork tradition. Created by Marukawa Hiroyoshi, a renowned artist born in 1841, the piece features intricate silver and gold inlays depicting two samurai figures. This kozuka, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the skill and artistry of Japanese metalworkers, capturing the essence of samurai culture and their importance in Japanese history.