Antique Japanese Kozuka Pair – Samurai Sword Fittings – Garden Scene with Man & Stone Lantern – Edo / Meiji

A beautiful pair of antique Japanese Kozuka (小柄) — ornamental handles for a small kogatana knife, traditionally carried in the scabbard of a samurai sword (katana or wakizashi). The decoration features an intricately carved figural garden scene, depicting a man holding a straw broom beside a traditional Japanese stone lantern (tōrō) beneath a tree. Scenes depicting everyday life and garden settings are less commonly encountered than simple floral or geometric kozuka decorations, making this design especially appealing to collectors of Japanese sword fittings. Artistic Features • High relief carving (takabori technique) • Multi-metal decoration (iroe technique) • Dark patinated copper alloy body (likely shakudo or related alloy) • Brass or gold-tone highlights accenting details • Detailed background with carved foliage or tree texture • Narrative figural composition with traditional Japanese garden elements The carving style and metalwork are consistent with fittings associated with the Nara or Mito schools, known for their refined narrative scenes and detailed craftsmanship during the late Edo period. Period Late Edo Period – Early Meiji Approx. 1780 – 1880 Measurements (approx.) Length: about 3.7–3.9 inches (≈ 9–10 cm) Weight: • One piece approx. 15.5 g Condition Good antique condition with natural age patina. The backs show traces of earlier mounting or adhesive, suggesting the kozuka may have once been attached for decorative display after removal from their original sword mountings. The front decorative surfaces remain well preserved. Please review all photos carefully for condition details. Collectibility Kozuka are an important component of traditional samurai sword mountings (tosogu) and are widely collected as miniature works of metal art. Pieces featuring detailed figural scenes and garden elements such as stone lanterns are particularly desirable among collectors. Ideal for • Collectors of Japanese sword fittings (tosogu) • Samurai sword enthusiasts • Japanese metalwork collectors • Asian art collections • Decorative display pieces

Condition

Reconditioned/Certified