Artwork preview

Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image shows two small figurines. The figurines are of men wearing armor and are made of metal, likely bronze or brass, with a dark brown patina and gold accents. The armor is intricately designed with gold filigree patterns. The figurine on the left has its arms crossed in front of its body, holding an object that points to the left. The figurine on the right holds a similar object in front of its body, but it points downwards. The background is a light gray color. The overall design and style suggest a traditional Japanese aesthetic, specifically the menuki style.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold, copper
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
500 × 625 px
Museum record:
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