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🪵 ITEM DESCRIPTION
This listing is for an antique Japanese kozuka, the decorative handle/fitting traditionally used with a small utility knife (kogatana) carried with a Japanese sword.
A decorative copper imitation blade is permanently attached to the kozuka. It is not a functional kogatana blade and cannot be removed.
The kozuka features an elegant and finely detailed Kiri (桐 / Paulownia Crest) and Waves design, combining repeated traditional Japanese paulownia crest motifs with dynamic stylized waves.
The design is worked in relief against a finely textured dark metal ground, with gold-colored Kiri crest motifs and silver-colored accents highlighting the curling crests of the waves. Fine engraved lines throughout the wave pattern create a strong sense of movement and depth. The contrast between the dark textured surface and the gold- and silver-colored decoration gives the piece a particularly attractive and refined appearance.
The reverse of the kozuka has a gold-colored surface with a fine textured finish.
The kozuka is non-magnetic. Based on its appearance, it may be shakudo or another non-ferrous copper alloy; however, the metal composition has not been professionally tested.
The attached blade-shaped piece is made of copper and is decorative rather than a functional steel kogatana. It is permanently attached to the kozuka and cannot be removed. The copper blade shows age-related oxidation, staining, scratches, rubbing, and discoloration.
The kozuka also shows surface wear, scratches, discoloration, rubbing, patina, and wear to the gold- and silver-colored decorative details consistent with an antique Japanese sword fitting.
Please examine all photographs carefully for condition and details.
✨ Item Details
- Item: Antique Japanese Kozuka with Attached Decorative Copper Blade
- Type: Kozuka handle/fitting with permanently attached imitation blade
- Blade: Copper decorative imitation blade; permanently attached and non-removable
- Design: Kiri (桐 / Paulownia Crest) and Waves
- Decoration: Relief work with gold- and silver-colored accents
- Material: Dark non-magnetic metal, possibly shakudo or another copper alloy; not professionally tested
- Signature: Unsigned
- Kozuka Length: Approx. 93.50 mm / 3.68 in
- Kozuka Width: Approx. 13.32 mm / 0.52 in
- Kozuka Thickness: Approx. 2.52 mm / 0.10 in, approximately uniform / no taper
- Overall Length: Approx. 129.77 mm / 5.11 in
- Combined Weight: Approx. 1.7 oz / 48.2 g
- Magnetic Test: Non-magnetic
- Origin: Japan
- Condition: Antique / pre-owned
Measurements are approximate and were taken manually.
📦 Shipping
The item will be carefully packed for safe delivery.
- Ships from the United States
- USPS Ground Advantage
- Handling time: 2–3 business days
- International shipping available where permitted
↩️ Returns
Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery.
The item must be returned in the same condition in which it was received. Please review all photographs and measurements carefully before purchasing.