Artwork preview

Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two gold-colored metal ornaments in the shape of a bird's head and neck with a flower and leaves. The ornaments are identical but mirrored. The birds have long pointed beaks. The flowers have many rounded petals. The leaves are teardrop-shaped and have veins. The background is light gray. The ornaments are likely pair of sword-grip ornaments, also known as menuki, created by an unknown artist.

Artwork Details

Date
18th century
Medium
Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
600 × 480 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette