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Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki) by artist. Two small, black metal ornaments in the shape of swans, each with gold accents on their beaks and feet. The ornaments are identical, with one positioned above the other. The swans have their necks curved and heads turned to the right. Their bodies are rendered in textured metal, with detailed feathers. The gold accents are used for the beaks and feet, adding a touch of color to the otherwise monochromatic design. The background is a plain gray color.

Artwork Details

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