Antique pair of Japanese menuki. These small but detailed elements of a traditional samurai sword were originally made to hide the pins (mekugi) that hold the back end of the blade (tang) to the hilt (tsuka). Made in pairs, they were positioned on either side of the handle. These menuki are especially fine and depict two men, likely sages by their long hair. Probably they are the friends, Kanzan (the Zen poet) and Jittoku (a servant at a monastery). They are made of bronze and mixed metal including silver and gold. Each menuki has been mounted with a silver backing and pin to be worn on clothing.

Age: Edo Period (early 1800's)
Dimensions: 1 1/8" high (each)