★Product Information★ 【Description】 This kozuka (small knife handle) features a signature of Inoue Shinkai and is made of copper with a design of lions and peonies. Kozuka is a part of sword fittings and was used for carving wood or as a weapon in emergencies. It's the equivalent of a cutter knife or paper knife today. Since it is not a real sword, registration certificates or notifications are not required. After the Edo period, it came to be regarded as a decorative item to enhance the appearance of the koshirae (sword mounting). In addition to its value as a daily necessity, kozuka are also highly valued as works of art because they are decorated with the finest techniques of metalworkers. Inoue Shinkai, along with "Tsuda Echizen no Kami Sukehhiro" and "Awata Guchi Ikkanshi Tadatsuna," is a master craftsman counted among the "Three Great Swordsmiths of Osaka" and is also known as "Osaka Masamune." Japanese swords by Inoue Shinkai are expensive and difficult to obtain, and due to their popularity, there are also forgeries, which is concerning. However, I encountered this kozuka and have cherished it to this day. From what I've seen, I don't think kozuka are very common. After purchasing it, I asked a reputable antique dealer to authenticate it, and they confirmed that the construction, including the waritsugi (a technique of combining different metals such as gold and copper), is well-made and the age is appropriate, and they tentatively authenticated it. The kara-jishi (Chinese lion) is probably not solid gold, but is estimated to be gold-plated, and they said the surface is gold. However, this is not a paid appraisal from an appraisal organization such as the Japanese Society for the Preservation of the Sword, so please consider this only if you have viewed all the images and are in agreement and understanding. 【Condition】 Inoue Shinkai was active in the early Edo period, and as it is an old item that has passed through time, please purchase it with an understanding of rust and scratches. 【Length】 Total length: 21.5 cm 【Weight】 40g 【Shipping】 We will wrap it in bubble wrap to prevent water damage and breakage, and ship it anonymously via Yu-Packet Post. 【Remarks】 You can purchase it immediately without a comment, but to prevent any trouble, we would appreciate it if you could check the profile before purchasing.