Vintage silver filigree links with applied antique Japanese sword fittings or Menuki

7 × 1.5 inches.

19th c. Japanese lacquer writing box Suzuri-bako with silver crescent moon - a symbol of impermanence, reflection and the quiet passage of time and beauty. See Imore of this box >

Menuki (目貫) are small decorative ornaments found on the handle of a Japanese Katana sword. Crafted in bronze and alloys of copper with gold and silver (shakudo/shibuichi), their original purpose was to secure the sword hilt to the blade's tang. Later, bamboo securing pins(mekugi) were used and the menuki discretely covered them and held them in place.
A pair of menuki are placed on either side of the handle under the braided cord wrapping while still remaining a slightly visible decoration. This design would also create a small bulge and allow for a more secure grip of the hilt. By the late Edo period, the idea of menuki transitioned from functional object into miniature sculptures aside from swords, showcasing endless themes of classic Japanese mythical beasts, folklore and the natural world.