Kinko menuki showing a shi-shi, the lion-dog of Japanese art, rendered in copper with gold eyes. The piece is unsigned, and the supplier notes very good workmanship. It is used and listed under Japanese Swords, Fittings and Firearms as SKU MGJ595. Menuki sit beneath the cord wrap of a sword handle, so a raised form like this shi-shi would show through the wrap as both ornament and a point of grip.

A Connecticut collector can place this menuki in a display of animal-subject fittings or hold it for a handle restoration where a copper piece with gold detail is wanted. With no signature, the carving of the shi-shi and the gold eyes carry the piece, and the supplier's note on workmanship is worth testing against the photographs. The copper ground also gives it a warmer look than the darker shakudo pieces that make up much of this category, which is useful when building contrast in a case.

Key features

• Kinko menuki, shi-shi motif
• Copper with gold eyes
• Unsigned, very good workmanship
• Used, SKU MGJ595

This fitting ships straight to your door in Connecticut, with no dealer transfer.