A Simply Beautiful Kozuka in Shakudo, Decorated with Shakudo & Pure Gold Shishi with Pure Gold Dragons and Pure Silver Pearl

The samurai swords small knife that fits in the long swords scabbard. The blade fits the handle separately and is removable. We show the handle without its blade fitted.

Fabulously depicting an imperial boat bearing a shakudo and overlaid gold Shishi lion dog or temple guardian fending off two overlaid pure gold Dragon, one at the boat's stern clutching an overlaid silver Pearl of Wisdom. Incredibly detailed and a wonderful work of art in itself. A Kogatana (小刀), or "small sword" in English is a small knife designed to be fitted within its Kozuka (handle). The Kogatana is a small utility knife that fits into a pocket if it has the option on the Saya.

A Kozuka (小柄), or "small handle" in English is a small Tsuka hilt designed to be fitted with the Kogatana blade It usually features various designs inspired by famous historical events or popular Katana-related designs. According to legend, only a carp which has managed to present itself at the Dragon gate, after many attempts to travel up the river, receives the honour of being transformed into a dragon. This parable is the story of the student who wanted to serve the Emperor. The carp changing into a dragon here stands as a symbol of perseverance. The Lion-dog
The lion-dog (shishi or jishi) came to Japan with Buddhism, either from China or from Korea in the 7th or 8th century. The Japanese lion-dog has some elements of the koma-inu, the Korean dog, and of the kara-shishi, apparently derived from the Chinese foo dog.

There are no lions in Japan, China, or Korea. The first artworks depicting lions were brought to China in the Han era (ca. 208 BCE - 221 CE). The lion is regarded in China as the defender of justice and the guardian of sacred buildings, a symbol of power and success, nobility and strength. Its image is woven into the robes of the aristocracy. In Korea they believed that the skin of the koma-inu's head is stronger than any helmet. In Japan, the shishi is esteemed as a noble creature. A pair of lion-dogs usually guards the entrance to a Shinto or Buddhist temple, and Buddhist deities are often depicted riding on them. Sometimes a pair of lion-dogs is also placed beside a tomb.

In art, the shishi usually appear in pairs, male and female. In the Nara period (710-794) these were two lions. In the Heian era (794-1185) they began to appear as a lion and a lion-dog. In early Japanese depictions, the shishi has a horn on his head. The lion does not. The lion's maw gapes, that of the lion-dog is closed.

Code: 23945