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What is a Menuki?

In a nutshell

  • Ornament under the braiding on the handle of Japanese swords.
  • Improves grip for better handling.
  • Decorative components with symbolic motifs.
  • Made of alloy, brass, copper, silver, or even gold.
  • Value from a few dozen to £300 or more.

Or read on for detailed information 📚!

Menuki are small ornaments found on the Tsuka, the handle of the katana, and other Japanese swords, precisely under the Tsuka-ITO (the braid that surrounds the handle). Although they are discreet and sometimes partially hidden, their importance is crucial to the katana’s design. Their role goes beyond decoration: the menuki helps to improve grip by adding a slight elevation under the warrior’s fingers, thus increasing control of the sword.

Use of menuki

Menuki have a dual function:

  1. Improved grip: their presence under the braiding of the handle creates a relief that helps hold the sword better, especially during fast or powerful movements. This ergonomic detail prevents the hand from slipping, ensuring a firm grip and optimal control.
  2. Aesthetic: Menuki are also decorative components that enhance the beauty and uniqueness of the katana. They are often designed to harmonize with other components such as the Tsuba (guard) and Kashira.

Materials and manufacture

Traditionally, menuki were made from metals such as brass, copper, silver, and gold. Craftsmen, called kinkō, carve these ornaments by hand with precise skill, creating motifs inspired by Japanese mythology, nature, or symbols linked to samurai culture. Each menuki is a miniature work of art, and their price can vary according to the complexity of the design and the materials used. Some luxurious menuki can cost up to 300 pounds or more, while more affordable models can be found for around a few dozen pounds.

Menuki symbolism

In addition to their beauty, menuki often carry symbolic meanings. Engraved motifs, such as dragons, flowers, or animals, reflect virtues like loyalty, courage, or wisdom. Each samurai chose a menuki that represented his values or beliefs, adding a personal dimension to his weapon. Menuki designs were rarely arbitrary. Each representation had a particular meaning, rooted in Japanese culture. For example, a menuki depicting a dragon symbolized strength, bravery and immortality, while plum or cherry blossom motifs evoked the fragility of life and ephemeral beauty, concepts central to samurai philosophy.

The aesthetics of the menuki also reflected its owner’s social status. The higher a samurai’s rank, the more sophisticated his menuki became, adorned with precious materials. Some menuki were even encrusted with precious stones or engraved with intricate designs, testifying to the artistic refinement of the time.

Daimyo menuki, for example, were often larger and more ornate, while more modest samurai menuki focused more on efficiency and functionality. Here are a few examples of common motifs:

  • Tiger: Symbols of power and protection.
  • Phoenix: Emblem of rebirth and immortality.
  • Carp: Symbol of perseverance and strength in the face of adversity.
  • Dragon: Strength and protection.
  • Kamon: Symbol of family or clan.
Chrysanthemum Menuki
Chrysanthemum Menuki
Kamon Menuki
Kamon Menuki
Gilded Dragon Menuki
Gilded Dragon Menuki

Menuki position

The placement of the menuki on the handle depends on the fighting style practiced. In some schools, the menuki are placed so that they can be grasped by the fingers, while in other traditions, they rest under the palm to offer better control. Some braiding styles, such as Ikkan-maki or Hira-maki, partially expose the menuki, emphasizing their ornamental role.

Origins and history

Historically, the first menuki were purely functional. They enabled samurai to better handle their swords, ensuring a firm grip even in the most intense combat. However, with the evolution of the katana as a symbol of power and honor, menuki quickly gained in complexity and decorative richness.

Over time, these ornaments became a medium of artistic expression for craftsmen. The blacksmith, or kinkō, responsible for their creation, drew inspiration from mythology, nature, or Buddhist beliefs to design sophisticated motifs charged with symbolism. Animal and plant forms, or even battle scenes, were commonplace, with every detail meticulously carved in precious metals such as gold or silver. The finest Menuki are meticulously crafted, often entirely by hand, which explains their value and rarity. Some menuki created for prestigious swords, such as odachi (large swords), can fetch very high prices, especially for pieces from the Edo period, which are prized by collectors.

How to care for your Menuki?

Like all katana components, menuki requires regular maintenance. To avoid oxidation, we recommend cleaning them with a soft, dry cloth. If the menuki becomes detached or worn over time, especially if you use your sword frequently, it is advisable to have them repaired or replaced by a professional. We recommend using non-abrasive products to clean these ornaments, especially when they are made of silver or copper.

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