Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Diam. of each 5/8 in. (1.6 cm); Wt. of each 0.2 oz. (5.7 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
38.55.78a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Arms and Armor gallery, where we explore the exquisite fusion of function and artistry in Japanese samurai culture. This pair of *Sword-Grip Ornaments (uki)*, crafted in gleaming gold during the 18th century exemplifies the refined metalwork of Edo-period Japan. Each menuki, measuring just 5/8 inch in diameter and weighing a mere 0.2 ounces, would have been mounted on the hilt (tsuka) of a katana or wakizashi sword. These small ornaments not only secured the silk wrapping (tsuka-ito) but also elevated the weapon into a work of wearable art, adorned with delicate floral motifs th...