An authentic antique Japanese menuki, offered used, that comes from a well-known collection. Menuki are the small ornaments fitted under the wrap on either side of a sword handle, and they are collected on their own as miniature metalwork.

The supplier gives no further detail on the subject, metal or signature of this piece, so judge it from the photographs and ask for a measurement before buying if you need one. The collection provenance is the main stated fact and is the reason a Montana collector of Japanese fittings would look at it: pieces from a known collection tend to have been chosen with a good eye. It suits a fittings display, a study box of tosogu, or a restoration where an antique menuki is wanted on a rewrapped tsuka. Store it dry and handle it by the edges to keep the surface untouched.

Key features

• Authentic antique Japanese menuki
• From a well-known collection
• Used; see photos for subject and metal

It ships to your door in Montana.