Artwork preview

Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Copper-colored pair of sword-grip ornaments in the shape of tigers by artist unknown. Two tigers lying down with legs outstretched. The top tiger has mouth closed and faces right; the bottom tiger faces left with mouth open, showing teeth. Both have yellow eyes and black stripes or spots. Black inlays on claws. Background is light gray.

Artwork details

Date:
19th century
Medium:
Copper, gold, silver, copper-gold alloy (shakudō)
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 480 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette