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Set of Kozuka and Kogai (Small Knife Carried in Scabbard of Sword and a Tool Used in Dressing Hair) with Tabanoshi “Banded Ropes” Decoration

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Set of Kozuka and Kogai (Small Knife Carried in Scabbard of Sword and a Tool Used in Dressing Hair) with Tabanoshi “Banded Ropes” Decoration

Place found:Japan, Asia
Culture: Japanese
Date: 17th-18th century
Medium: Steel, Shakudo and Nanoko (?)
Dimensions:
8 5/16 × 1/2 × 1/16 in. (21.1 × 1.3 × 0.2 cm)
8 1/4 × 9/16 × 3/16 in. (21 × 1.4 × 0.5 cm)
Credit Line: Bequest of Dr. Robert R. Clemons
Object number: 2022.3.3.a-b
Provenance: Robert Clemons Collection
Published References n/a
Label Text
Set of Sword Fittings: Kozuka and Kōgai

Maker Unknown
Japan, 17th–18th century
Steel, shakudo (alloy of gold and copper) with nanoko (granulated surface)

Bequest of Robert R. Clemons

2022.3.3 a.-b.

A kozuka is a small utility knife, and a kōgai is a hairdressing tool. The two are paired because they were carried in the pockets on the sides of a scabbard. The decorative motif on this pair is a tabanoshi, usually a bundle of folded paper strips attached to a handle. Tabanoshi convey good wishes when used in Buddhist or Shinto ceremonies or when making gifts.

On view
In Collection(s)


The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.



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