Description East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 1603 to 1868 CE. An attractive set of four cast-copper menuki - petite ornaments within the handle wrappings of traditional Japanese swords - in the form of an archer's arrow case (ya) and bow (hankyu). The first pair exhibit a darker surface color as well as intricate gilded embellishments. The larger pair features a more distinct copper hue and a sash flowing atop the cases. Each menuki is soldered to a modern metal cuff link fastener with a trapezoidal bar that swivels in the center. Size of largest (copper hue): 1.55" L x 0.4" W (3.9 cm x 1 cm).
Provenance: ex-private San Francisco, California, USA collection
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#149008
Condition Report Assembled in modern times and wearable as shown. Copper menuki are from the Edo period, and metal cuff links and soldering are modern. Menuki have very minor abrasions and some minute gaps in soldering joints along periphery, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina across all items, and great traces of original gilding on darker menuki.