kogatana (utilitly knife for use with long sword) and kozuka (knife handle), unknown maker from Japan

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The design found on the kozuka is of Ashinaga (long legs) and Tenaga (long arms). They are characters of Chinese origin who, in the spirit of mutual cooperation, use their long appendages together to catch fish. The figures were decorative elements in many media. The kogai can be found in two types, split and single. It is believed that they were used to groom the hair, and in the case of split versions, as a pair of field chopsticks.