Title: Ken-Hanabishi <\/span>Zu<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Description<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0The theme of this kozuka is Ken-Hanabishi, a traditional Japanese family crest that combines the elegant hanabishi (diamond-shaped flower) motif with the powerful imagery of swords. As one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, the sword has long been revered as a symbol of martial strength and valor, often incorporated into crests to convey a warrior spirit. \u00a0This kozuka bears the signature of Ishiguro Masayoshi (\u77f3\u9ed2\u653f\u7f8e), a renowned metalworker born in 1774. He initially studied under Sano Naoyoshi and later became a pupil of Ishiguro Masatsune I. Together with his fellow disciple Masaaki, he rose to prominence as a leading figure of the Ishiguro school, a distinguished branch of the Yokoya lineage of Edo-period metalwork. His family name was Okamoto, his common name was Sh\u014dz\u014d, and his art names included Juga-sai and Ju\u014d-sai.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0At the bottom of the signature, a ka\u014d (\u82b1\u62bc) is also inscribed\u2014a stylized and often abstract personal seal traditionally used by Japanese artists and samurai to authenticate their works. The ka\u014d functioned both as a mark of identity and as an element of personal expression.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.<\/span><\/p>\n What is Kozuka? <\/strong><\/span> \u00a0The 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Why is it that the sword mounting was important for Samurai?<\/strong><\/span> Authentication Paper<\/strong><\/span>: NBTHK Hozon Certificate (No.)<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0NBTHK, 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 July 14th in the 5th year of Reiwa (2023). 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0This kozuka is crafted from shakud\u014d, a traditional Japanese alloy of copper and gold, known for its deep blue-black patina. It features high-relief carving (\u9ad8\u5f6b, takabori) and is adorned with gold and silver inlay (\u8272\u7d75, iroe), creating a richly detailed and elegant decorative effect.
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Ken-Hanabishi crests come in many variations; one notable example is the “Maru-ni Ken-Hanabishi” (Ken-Hanabishi within a circle), famously used by Katsu Kaish\u016b(\u52dd\u6d77\u821f), a key figure in the final years of the Edo period. This motif reflects the unique Japanese aesthetic that blends dignity and grace\u2014combining the symbolic strength of the sword with the delicate beauty of floral design.
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\n\u00a0Kozuka 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.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u00a0The 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.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2025-07-17-041-1-scaled.jpg\")
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\n\u00a0Samurai 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. <\/span><\/p>\n
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