Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)
Unknown Artist
early–mid-17th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
L. of each 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); Wt. of each 0.1 oz. (2.8 g)
Classification
Sword Furniture-Menuki
Culture
Japanese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1938
Accession Number
38.55.73a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite pair of gold menuki or sword-grip ornaments, hails from Japan in the early to mid-17th century during the early Edo period when samurai culture flourished. Crafted as functional yet decorative elements for katana hilts, menuki were slipped beneath the ray-skin and silk wrapping of the tsuka (handle) to enhance grip and add subtle artistry visible only upon unwrapping. Measuring just 3/4 inch long and weighing a mere 0.1 ounce each, these diminutive treasures showcase the Japanese metalworkers' mastery of precision and luxury in arms and armor. Depicting playful monkeys—a motif ...