説明
Title: Souro Zu
Description
This kozuka is crafted from shakudō, a traditional Japanese alloy of copper and gold, known for its deep blue-black patina. It features high-relief carving (高彫, takabori) and is adorned with gold and silver inlay (色絵, iroe), creating a richly detailed and elegant decorative effect.
This kozuka depicts two herons (鷺, sagi) living by the water’s edge. The heron, a graceful water bird, has long been regarded as a symbol of noble character and high-ranking officials, as it stands clean and dignified even in the muddy waters of rivers and rice fields. In classical Chinese art as well, the heron is often portrayed as an auspicious creature. For example, a painting featuring a heron, lotus, and drunken hibiscus is believed to symbolize a life of happiness, wealth, and prosperity.
According to the NBTHK certificate, this kozuka is attributed to the Ōtsuki school(大月派). Alongside the Nagatsune and Okamoto Tekken-dō schools, the Ōtsuki school was one of the leading groups of Kyoto metalworkers during the Edo period. Founded by Ōtsuki Mitsuoki, the school produced many distinguished artisans, including Hideoki, Atsuoki, Hidekuni, and Gassan.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
What is Kozuka?
Kozuka is the small knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu (groove of the sheath of the Japanese sword). Many Tsubas (handguard) have two holes to put Kozuka and Kougai (equipment for appearance) next to Nakagoana (a hole of the Tsuba to put sword), so that Samurai didn’t need to draw his sword out of the scabbard when he wanted to use Kozuka or Kougai. Initially, Samurai used it for cutting wood or attacking enemies in an emergency. It is said that Kozuka was used as a craft knife rather than a weapon.
The decorative designs of Kozuka were more emphasized than its practical use in the Edo period when Samurai society enjoyed one of the most peaceful times. And there were many ornamental Kozuka and Kougai created by Japanese metalworkers.
Why is it that the sword mounting was important for Samurai?
The sword mountings of the Japanese sword have many kinds of decorations such as handguards (Tsuba), sword hilt (Menuki), pommel (Fuchi Kashira). The Japanese sword worked as a weapon and as an object to show who he was. For example, it shows their personalities and beliefs. You could say that it is like decorations for smartphones today. We recommend you zoom in on the pictures of the sword fittings. When you do so, you can see the skill of Japanese metal engraving techniques. They are mainly made of iron and copper with inlays of gold, silver, and bronze. When it comes to handguard (Tsuba), each one has a different outline and weight. These sword fittings that have lived with Japanese swords of the same age might be worth as much as the Japanese swords. They are inconspicuous parts of the Japanese sword. Nevertheless, if you are knowledgeable or particular about it, you will become a connoisseur of the Samurai.
Authentication Paper
:
NBTHK Hozon Certificate
NBTHK, also known as Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai (the Society for the Preservation of the Japan Art Sword), is one of the oldest Japanese sword appraising organizations in modern-day Japan. They authenticated the Kozuka on December 22nd in the 23rd year of Heisei (2011). They appraised it as Hozon Tousougu, the Kozuka worth preserving for Japanese society. The purchaser will receive this original certificate as well. We can also translate what is written into English and make a PDF file for your record if you request.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
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