Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki) 1725 - 1800

These sword-grip ornaments were made by Gotō Mitsumori in Japan during the 18th century. Note the prominent image of the dragon, its sinuous form and scaly texture rendered with meticulous detail. The dragon, a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune in East Asian cultures, stretches across the ornament. We see this symbol appearing throughout art history. Consider the dragons of ancient Chinese pottery and the mythical beasts in medieval European tapestries. Though geographically disparate, these images tap into a shared human fascination with powerful, transformative creatures. The dragon, in particular, is not merely a decorative element; it’s a psychological projection of our deepest fears and aspirations, a motif that continues to evolve, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with power and the unknown. This symbol is not static, but constantly in flux, a testament to the enduring power of images.