Artwork preview

Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two small, black, metal ornaments. Ornaments are shaped like mythical creatures with large heads, small bodies, and four legs. They have gold-colored eyes. The top ornament faces right; its front and back legs are bent. The top of its head and back are covered in ridged, curved hair. A curved tail extends to the left. The bottom ornament faces left; its front leg is bent and its back leg is extended. Its mane covers the top of its head, neck, and back; it consists of curved lines and spikey tufts. Both ornaments have gold accents around the eyes and on the hair. They are on a gray background. The ornaments are titled "Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)" and are by an unknown artist.

Artwork Details

Date
17th century
Medium
Copper-gold alloy (shakudō), gold
Culture
Japanese
Dimensions
600 × 480 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette