Art in CONTEXT

Sometimes referred to as sword fittings, menuki are small, decorative elements that were traditionally secured to the hilt of a samurai sword to improve the grip. Hammered from sheets of metal such as copper, or alloys of silver and gold, these tiny sculptures were held in position on either side of the hilt by a silk braid.

Examined over time, menuki reflect the changing function of the samurai. Founded in the first millennium as a warrior class, by the sixteenth century the position of samurai had become one of hereditary social status. Likewise, menuki -- once purely functional in nature -- became primarily decorative. Delicately fashioned flowers, animals and mythological figures were common motifs. A samurai might have had a selection of menuki, each pair potentially signifying something about the owner -- from his astrological association (determined by his year of birth), to a quality to be emulated (such as courage).

This example shows a rabbit or hare with a body as full and round as the moon itself. Its significance might have been tied to the fact that the rabbit is one of the twelve animal symbols in the Asian zodiac. According to traditional belief, a samurai born in the year of the rabbit would enjoy longevity, courage and strength. Such character traits might also be found within folk tales, one of which tells of a rabbit who lived with two companions, a monkey and a fox. When a hungry visitor stops at their doorstep, the monkey gathers fruit and the fox catches a fish to feed the old man. The rabbit, embarrassed that he has nothing to add to the meal, throws himself upon the fire. This unselfish sacrifice impresses the old man -- who is, of course, a mighty god traveling in disguise. The god quickly gathers the rabbit from the fire and installs him on the moon.

Eileen Carr

SUGGESTED READINGS:

Penelope E. Mason. History of Japanese Art. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1993.

E. Jeannette Myers. Japanese Menuki in the Collections of The Dayton Art Institute. Dayton: The Dayton Art Institute Education Department, 1995.

---

All content within Access Art is protected by copyright laws of the United States of America and may not be reproduced without the permission of The Dayton Art Institute.