Kozuka (by-knife)
Culture
Japanese
Dateprobably 1500s
Mediumsteel, shakudo, and silver
Dimensions21.3 cm (8 3/8 in.), 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.62.3
DescriptionOf the usual form. Steel, single edged straight blade, the edges parallel from the handle for about 1/4 length, whence cutting edge is stepped & curves gently to back edge at the point. Deep "yakiba" (temper line) is barely visible on reverse. Long, rectangular handle almost as long as blade itself. This is of copper alloy ("shakudo"), with an inlaid silver plaque on obverse. This has floral sprays in relief on closely stippled ground.ProvenancePurchased on 9 January 1936, as part of a group from Boston Antique Shop (Boston, MA), their item G-197. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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