Japan - Menuki - 1600 — 1900

Japanese Antique Menuki (Sword Grip Ornaments) — Pair, Shichifukujin (Gods of Good Fortune), Signed, Edo Period

Description:
A fine matched pair of Japanese menuki (sword grip ornaments) depicting two of the Shichifukujin — the Seven Gods of Good Fortune — in high-relief shakudo and copper work on rectangular (Musashi-gata) bases.
The first menuki depicts Hotei, the rotund god of contentment and abundance, shown reclining amid his treasure sack (takarabukuro), his characteristic wide smile conveying joy and prosperity. The second depicts Ebisu or Daikokuten, shown seated amid lucky treasures including a drum (tsutsumi), bags of rice, and auspicious roundels, with the same warmth and humor characteristic of the finest Edo-period tosogu work.
Both pieces are executed in a combination of copper (akagane) for the figures and a darker shakudo-like ground, creating a rich two-tone effect with traces of gold detail remaining on the treasure objects. The figures are modelled in bold, confident relief with lively, characterful faces. Each menuki retains its original ne-pin (mounting pin) on the reverse, confirming authentic period construction.
One menuki bears a single carved kanji signature on the reverse, likely the artist's name or school mark.
Details:

Material: Copper and shakudo (or mixed metals) with gold highlights
Shape: Musashi-gata (rectangular)
Dimensions: approx. 2 cm L × 3.5 cm W each
Motif: Shichifukujin — Hotei and Ebisu/Daikokuten
Signature: One kanji character on reverse of one menuki
Condition: Good antique condition; rich patina, minor age-related wear, traces of gold remaining
Origin: Japan, Edo period (17th–19th century)
Sold as: Matched pair (2 pieces)

A charming and auspicious pair of menuki, combining superb craftsmanship with beloved iconography. Suitable for collectors of Japanese sword fittings (tosogu), samurai art, or Japanese decorative metalwork.