Japanese (Menuki) Samurai Sword Katana / Wakizashi Handle Fitting - Edo Period 1603-1868

The (menuki) are the decorative metal ornaments that are woven under the tsuka-ito (handle wrapping). These ornaments were originally made to hide the mekugi pins that secure the tsuka to the tang of the blade. They are normally positioned forward on one side and back on the other. These are your hand positions with the menuki fitting into your palms. On unique tsuka wrappings such as katate-maki or battle wrap the menuki may be woven into the center as a decorative ornament. Some are very elaborate pieces such as this one, made by talented jewelers and artisans that will compliment or become the center piece of the katana's overall theme. This particular menuki is signed on the reverse by the maker.

From the estate of :

Capt. Arthur H. Osgood

USNA Class of 1944

Size - 35.50mm