A kodzuka is the small knife handle fitted to the scabbard of a Japanese sword, and this one is kinko work, meaning soft metal rather than iron. The body is shakudo, carved in takabori relief with blossoming chrysanthemums, and the leaf veins are picked out in gold hirazogan inlay. It carries no signature. The supplier lists the condition as excellent.

Fittings like this are collected on their own, apart from any blade, and the chrysanthemum theme with gold detail makes this one a display piece rather than a working part. In Utah it suits a collector building a set of soft-metal sword fittings or someone looking for a single well-finished example to frame. Because it is unsigned, the appeal rests on the quality of the carving and inlay, which the supplier grades as excellent.

Key features

• Shakudo body carved in takabori
• Blossoming chrysanthemum design
• Leaf veins inlaid in gold hirazogan
• Unsigned
• Excellent condition, sold as used

This fitting ships straight to your door in Utah; no FFL dealer is involved.