Knife Handle (Kozuka) 1801 - 1850

This knife handle, or Kozuka, was crafted by Marukawa Hiroyoshi in 19th century Japan, a period marked by significant social and political change as the country began to open to the West. Within the cultural context of the samurai tradition, the Kozuka was not merely functional, but a statement of identity. The delicate inlay of gold, silver, and copper depicting mandarin ducks and bamboo transcends mere decoration. Mandarin ducks symbolize marital fidelity and love in East Asian cultures, and they likely carried deep personal meaning for the owner or giver. The choice of motif suggests values cherished within the warrior class, reflecting a blend of aesthetic appreciation, and symbolic representation of loyalty. This piece asks us to consider how personal identity is articulated through the objects we create and carry. The Kozuka encapsulates an individual's aspirations, beliefs, and place within a complex social tapestry.