Artwork preview

Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pair of sword-grip ornaments, also known as menuki, made of metal. Two identical objects are shown side by side. The objects are shaped like an elongated oval with a horizontal bar across the middle. The top half of each object features a figure with a helmet and armor, holding a sword and a bow. The figure appears to be riding a horse or other animal, but the details are intricate and difficult to discern. The bottom half of each object features a gold-colored animal with its mouth open and legs splayed out. The animal appears to be a boar or similar creature. The objects have a dark brown or bronze color with some gold accents. The background of the image is a plain gray color. The overall design suggests a traditional Japanese aesthetic. The artist's work is characterized by intricate details and use of contrasting metals.

Artwork Details

Date
1750–87
Medium
Copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), gold
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
500 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette