Help identifying kozuka

[Antonis]

hello everyone,

I was hoping I could get some help in identifying how old this kozuka is and help translating the signature/text present on its blade. I'm also interested in finding out whether the depiction on it has a deeper cultural significance or if they relate to a certain Japanese myth or story.

The kozuka in question still has its blade which is chiselled with what I believe is a signature. The kozuka itself is made of a copper alloy with gold gilding at parts that have sadly worn off a bit. The depiction in it is that of a bald man holding a Tobacco pouch and smoking a pipe. Behind him, a broom can be seen. The man is looking up at a stone lantern on which a snail is on its top. Behind, a branch can be seen.

-19.7x1.4x0.4cm (including blade)

 

Thanks in advance,

Antonis

[Antonis]

Here's a close-up of the inscription:

[Matsunoki]

Antonis

hello again. Have you tried a magnet on this kozuka? From the images it does not look like a typical iron example. Test it without the blade in (assuming the blade slides out easily)

[Antonis]

46 minutes ago, Matsunoki said:

Antonis

hello again. Have you tried a magnet on this kozuka? From the images it does not look like a typical iron example. Test it without the blade in (assuming the blade slides out easily)

I just tested it out. The magnet does not stick on the Kozuka but does on the blade. 

So it is not made of iron but rather a copper alloy.

[Matsunoki]

1 hour ago, Antonis said:

The magnet does not stick on the Kozuka but does on the blade. 

Sorry to say……I think you have another cheap pressing rather than a traditional kozuka. The blade however looks OK ie genuine. 

[Franco D]

Hello,

 

Kozuka, not traditionally made. Probably Meiji period made for export.

Ko gatana's chippy mei also suggests a production piece.

 

Regards,

[Spartancrest]

Anyone in the market for replacement Kozuka blades? With two handles, also possible Meiji or later.

Reproduction at least [possibly 'retro", more than 25 years old, from their condition?] 

https://www.jauce.com/auction/r1077425737    Bulk buys are a real giveaway they are not genuine, but something to fill your handles with!

[Antonis]

Thank you for your feedback!

 

that's sad but at least my question is solved.

Are magnets supposed to be attracted to Kozuka? I thought that Kozuka were usually made of copper alloys that aren't magnetic.

[Matsunoki]

1 hour ago, Antonis said:

Are magnets supposed to be attracted to Kozuka? I thought that Kozuka were usually made of copper alloys that aren't magnetic.

If the kozuka is made from iron (and many were) the magnet will stick. If not, it will not. I suggested you try the magnet as you thought it was made from iron and it’s an easy way to tell. Kozuka are also made from many varying alloys….shakudo (usually glossy black in colour often with nanako plates), shibuichi (colour varies hugely from pale grey to dark olive green), sentoku (a brassy colour), silver, even gold in rare cases…….and other alloys that the experts on metallurgy on this forum can tell you about.

Just put “kozuka” into the search facility on this forum and have a look around.

[Franco D]

On 1/3/2023 at 10:33 AM, Antonis said:

The kozuka itself is made of a copper alloy with gold gilding at parts that have sadly worn off a bit.

 

4 hours ago, Matsunoki said:

I suggested you try the magnet as you thought it was made from iron and it’s an easy way to tell.

 

[Matsunoki]

12 hours ago, Franco D said:

On 1/3/2023 at 3:33 PM, Antonis said:

The kozuka itself is made of a copper alloy with gold gilding at parts that have sadly worn off a bit.

 

17 hours ago, Matsunoki said:

I suggested you try the magnet as you thought it was made from iron and it’s an easy way to tell.

 

Thanks for the unnecessary sad face Franco but I’m not going mad. I think the OP has edited his original post to change “iron” to “copper alloy”See his reply……

On 1/3/2023 at 4:33 PM, Antonis said:

I just tested it out. The magnet does not stick on the Kozuka but does on the blade. 

So it is not made of iron but rather a copper alloy.

 

[Franco D]

13 hours ago, Matsunoki said:

Thanks for the unnecessary sad face Franco but I’m not going mad. I think the OP has edited his original post to change “iron” to “copper alloy”See his reply……

 

You're welcome and so glad to hear that you're not going mad, Colin. I'm not certain that at times I can say the same for myself. Ah, such an edit would explain things. 

 

Kind Regards,

[Antonis]

Thanks again everyone, your comments were very helpful!

 

I did edit my post after the test. Apologies if it caused confusion.

 

all the best,