Knife Handle (Kozuka) 1800 - 1850

This knife handle, or Kozuka, was made by Gotō Mitsuyoshi in Japan, likely in the early 19th century. It's crafted from contrasting metals, including what appears to be gold, silver, and perhaps some alloys to create the subtle patinated ground. Look closely, and you’ll see that the primary image of Mount Fuji, a potent symbol of Japan itself, is rendered in extraordinarily fine lines. This wasn't achieved with a paintbrush but through meticulous engraving, a process demanding intense concentration and control. Then consider the small bird, likely made of gold, and carefully attached, perhaps inlaid, onto the surface. This type of metalworking wasn't just decorative. It was deeply connected to samurai culture, where sword fittings like this were not mere accessories, but declarations of status, taste, and allegiance. The handle represents a huge amount of skilled labor. Appreciating the time, technique, and cultural context elevates this object far beyond mere craftsmanship, and shows the piece's true artistic value.