Knife Handle (Kozuka) 19th century

This 19th-century kozuka, a knife handle for a Japanese sword, is a beautiful example of the intricate craftsmanship of the Edo period. Made by Ichijosai Hironaga (Hirotoshi), it features a richly decorated scene of a warrior, likely a deity or mythical figure, emerging from swirling clouds, their body adorned with elaborate gold and silver details. This kozuka, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, showcases the artistry and symbolic significance of Japanese sword fittings.