AF26119 Kozuka:Unsigned： Hyōtan Namazu (Gourd and Catfish)

Ordering number:AF26119
Kozuka: Hyōtan Namazu (Gourd and Catfish)
Signature: Unsigned

Dimensions: 9.66 cm × 1.45 cm (3.80 in × 0.57 in)

Period: Edo period

Description:
A shakudō nanako-ground kozuka depicting a gourd and catfish design, executed in high-relief carving with gold and silver iro-e inlay.The “Hyōtan Namazu” (gourd and catfish) motif symbolizes something elusive and difficult to grasp. Because it conveys the idea of evading capture and successfully escaping an enemy, it was favored by samurai as a form of good-luck charm. For this reason, it became a relatively common and popular theme in sword fittings and related accessories.