Menu Close

Updated: 3 Dec 2024

Antique Kozuka
for Samurai Sword
(K-52)

$401.27

Delivery Time: 5 – 14 DAYS
*Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.

INCLUDED: Wooden box

Title: Tsubaki Zu

Signature: NO SIGNED
Age: Edo period
Material: Copper

Size Thickness Weight
1.5cm×9.5cm 0.4cm 33g

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.

In stock

SKU: K-52 Categories: ,

Title: Jinbutsu-Zu

Description

This kozuka (小柄) features a scene from a medieval samurai household.

In medieval Japan, the architectural style known as “shuden-zukuri” was common among the samurai class. The residences of the samurai retained the style established during the Heian period, known as “shinden-zukuri.” In the Heian period’s shinden-zukuri, the main hall (shinden) was centrally located, with side halls (taya) on the east and west connected by a corridor called “watari-dō.” Additionally, a corridor extended south from the side halls, leading to the “tsuri-dō,” with a garden featuring a pond to the south—this was the basic layout.

On the left side of this kozuka, a pine tree is depicted with gold accents highlighting its leaves over a Nanako-Ji (魚子地) background. On the right, a man and woman walk along a connecting corridor. The surface of this kozuka is decorated with nanako-ji, which has small dents created by a metalworking chisel, giving the background a textured appearance. Each small dot resembles fish eggs, hence its name “nanako,” which means “children of fish” in kanji.

The design on the left features a pine tree, which symbolizes longevity and endurance, reflecting its flower language. This piece beautifully expresses these attributes.

*As this item is an antique, please check each photo to 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.




【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.

【Payment method】
 We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate. 

【Shipping duration】
 We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.

 We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
 We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.

【How to make sure the condition】
 Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision. 

 It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of Kozuka and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.

 

 Would you like see some more Kozuka for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite Kozuka.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/decorations/koduka/

In stock

You may also like…

  • $1,337.55

    Delivery Time: 5 – 14 DAYS
    *Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.

    INCLUDED: Wooden box, NBTHK Hozon Certificate

    Title: Small Bird and Japanese Apricot Tree

    Signature: 一柳 友善 (Hitotsuyanagi Tomoyoshi)
    Age: late Edo period (1781-1867)
    Material: Shakudou (赤銅, the mixture of copper and gold)

    Size Thickness Weight
    1.4cm×9.6cm 0.6cm 38g

    You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.

    Please note that this item is only Kozuka case, small knife is not included.

  • $835.97

    Delivery Time: 5 – 14 DAYS
    *Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.

    INCLUDED: Wooden box, NBTHK Hozon Certificate

    Title: Akikusa Akimushi Zu

    Signature: 戸張 富久 (花押) (Tobari Tomihisa, his stylized signature)
    Age: late Edo period (?-1825)
    Material: Shibuichi (四分一, the mixture of copper and silver)

    Size Thickness Weight
    1.4cm×9.6cm 0.4cm 29g

    You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.

  • $461.45

    Delivery Time: 5 – 14 DAYS
    *Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.

    INCLUDED: Wooden box, NBTHK Hozon Certificate

    Title: Nara-style, Neko Yanagi Zu

    Signature: 正長 (Masanaga)
    Age: Edo period
    Material: Brass

    (Fuchi)

    Size Thickness Weight
    3.7cm×1.8cm 0.1cm 13.0g

    (Kashira)

    Size Thickness Weight
    3.5cm×1.7cm 0.1cm 8.0g

    You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.