Sword-Grip Ornaments (Menuki) 1650 - 1750

Editor: Here we have a pair of Sword-Grip Ornaments, or Menuki, created between 1650 and 1750 by Gotō Tsūjō. They are metal carvings intended to adorn a sword. I’m immediately struck by the level of detail despite their size. What do you make of them? Curator: Dragons! Always potent symbols, but consider *where* they are placed. These aren't monumental statues. They're intimate objects, meant to be held. Dragons, powerful bringers of storms and change, are being tamed, literally gripped in the hand. Editor: So, it’s about control? The warrior controlling this immense power? Curator: In a way, yes. But think too about the dragon itself. In Eastern art, they often represent wisdom, longevity, and prosperity alongside their fierce reputation. Having these figures close is an embrace of these qualities. It's a constant visual and tactile reminder of potential. How does the context of armor impact your understanding of these symbols? Editor: I guess it suggests preparation and protection…like they’re drawing strength from it, or maybe it serves as a warning. Curator: Precisely. Symbols speak in layers. These Menuki embody power, wisdom, and, fundamentally, the spirit the samurai aspires to cultivate, integrated directly into the tools of their trade. Editor: It’s fascinating how such small ornaments carry so much meaning, influencing the wielder's state of mind and projecting an image. Curator: The artist plays an interesting role – conveying cultural and personal meaning. It makes you wonder what other types of adornments, what images, affect us daily without our realizing it.