Kinko menuki are the small soft-metal ornaments that sit beneath the wrap of a Japanese sword grip. This used example is worked in shakudo with gold and silver highlights, and its subject is a rice storehouse of the Quonset type, the kind used to hold rice measured in koku. The supplier describes the work as well made with good, even borders and calls the subject very unusual. It is listed under Japanese Swords, Fittings and Firearms as SKU MGJ351.

A Connecticut collector of Japanese sword fittings will value this piece as much for its subject as for its metalwork, since a storehouse is a rare theme next to the usual dragons, flowers and animals. It can be kept as a study piece, shown beside other kinko fittings, or set aside for a handle restoration where a period menuki is wanted under a fresh wrap. The even borders the supplier points out are worth confirming in the photographs.

Key features

• Kinko menuki in shakudo, gold and silver
• Rice storehouse motif, Quonset type
• Good, even borders; well made
• Very unusual subject
• Used, SKU MGJ351

Like all sword fittings, this menuki ships directly to your Connecticut address without a dealer transfer.