Knife Handle (Kozuka) 18th century

Curator: This is an 18th-century Japanese knife handle, or kozuka, by Horie Okinari. You can find it in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The piece features exquisite carving, likely on a foundation of wood or metal. Editor: I'm struck by how much detail is packed into such a small, contained space. The color palette is muted overall but punctuated by touches of gold that give the handle a sense of quiet opulence. Curator: Indeed. The cranes depicted here are rich in symbolism within Japanese art. They're often associated with longevity, good fortune, and marital fidelity. Bamboo, seen flanking the birds, likewise signifies resilience and uprightness. Consider this object in relation to Japanese traditions. Editor: The artist clearly knew how to draw the eye—using a contrast between the depth of field and the background field as well as that sparing touch of color to highlight details. Did the symbolism tie in with its original owner's beliefs, would you guess? Curator: Likely so, but kozuka, even though mounted onto a functional item, were viewed by many as works of art. The subject matter suggests someone of sophisticated tastes. They acted as personal emblems—visual assertions of one’s identity, status, or perhaps even hopes. Editor: So it's form *and* content—a sophisticated dance between the personal expression and wider cultural understanding. This piece really captures that push and pull of functionality versus ornamentation in art objects. Curator: Precisely. Its understated yet evocative visual language offers insights into the cultural values of its time and those who might possess such items, which is interesting to contemplate in this modern setting. Editor: Absolutely. Looking at it now, I feel I’ve had a quick glimpse into the Japanese past, even from the confines of a contemporary space like this museum.