Japan - Menuki - Edo period (1603–1868)

Japanese Antique Menuki Pair — Running Horse (Uma) Design, Gilt Bronze Sword Handle Fitting, Edo Period

Description:
Japanese Antique Menuki Pair (目貫) — Running Horse Design, Gilt Bronze Sword Handle Fittings
A beautifully crafted pair of antique Japanese menuki (目貫), decorative fittings mounted on the handle (tsuka) of a Japanese sword as part of a complete koshirae (sword mounting). This matching pair depicts powerful running horses (走り馬 — hashiri uma) in high relief, with generous traces of original gilt highlighting remaining on the mane, tail, and hooves — a sign of exceptional preservation for pieces of this age.
The reverse of each piece shows the retention pin hole (根穴 — ne ana), confirming these are genuine antique menuki rather than decorative reproductions.
Item Details:

Type: Menuki (目貫) — Japanese sword handle fittings
Listing: Matched pair (2 pieces)
Design: Running horse (走り馬 / Uma)
Material: Bronze with gilt (金色) highlights
Length: approx. 3 cm each
Retention pin holes present on reverse
No box or certificate

Condition:
Rich gilt highlights remaining on mane, tail and hooves. Surface patina consistent with age. Minor wear consistent with antique use. Please refer to all photographs carefully before bidding. Sold as antique — as found condition.
Period: Estimated Edo period (1603–1868)
Shipping: Carefully packed and shipped from Japan with full tracking.