Artwork preview

Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two small, gold-colored metal ornaments in the shape of humanoid figures on animals. The top ornament depicts a humanoid figure on a horse-like creature with a long snout and a tail that fans out. The figure wears a crown-like object on its head and a short robe. The bottom ornament shows a humanoid figure on a bird-like creature. The humanoid figure wears a long, pointed hat and a short robe. The ornaments are symmetrical and appear to be a pair. They are set against a plain gray background. The ornaments are likely "Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)" by an unknown artist.

Artwork Details

Date
late 16th–early 17th century
Medium
Gold
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
600 × 480 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette