Artwork preview

Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two metal sword-grip ornaments in the shape of animals. The top ornament is shaped like a weasel or similar mammal, with a long body, short legs, and a bushy tail. The bottom ornament is shaped like an elephant, with a large body, curled tail, and gold accents on its ears and back. Both ornaments are dark-colored with gold accents and appear to be made of metal. They have a textured surface and are lying on their sides. The background is a plain gray color.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Copper-silver alloy (shibuichi), gold, silver, copper-gold alloy (shakudō)
Culture:
Japanese
Dimensions:
600 × 480 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette