19th C. Edo Period Japanese Gilt Copper Menuki, 9 pcs

East Asia, Japan, Edo Era, ca. 18th to 19th Century CE. A collection of 9 gilt copper menuki, the small decorative ornaments traditionally placed beneath the cotton wrappings (tsuka-ito) of a katana sword handle. Menuki were typically crafted in pairs, one for each side of the hilt, both to enhance grip and to convey symbolic meaning. This group includes two phoenixes and two floral motifs with lion- or dog-like mythical creatures, likely shishi or komainu. The remaining pieces are single, non-matching ornaments, including interlocking birds, a samurai helmet, a mon crest (Maruni Sumitate Yotsume), and two celestial women in flowing robes. The gold content across the collection varies widely, ranging from 3% to 75.2% (up to the equivalent of 18K gold). Size of phoenix: 1.9" L x 0.7" W (4.8 cm x 1.8 cm)

Provenance: private Thousand Oaks, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#193187

Fading and losses to gilt, but good remains on most. Some softening to finer details, but motifs are recognizable.