How is the post of menuki attached?

[Jack Zacao]

Hi all, I have wondered for a long time how the post at the back of menuki is made and attached? most of time you can find the four thin metal pieces supporting the base of the post forming a cross shape. What are the purposes of those and how and when are they added at what point in the menuki making process ? I really appreciate your answering or any comments.

[Rawa]

Purpose is for them to suppport shape while holding. Without it you would crush them as they would be empty.

[zanilu]

My guess has always been that the four metal squares or triangles where there to support the post and to strengthen the thin metal of the menuki in the area. As for method of attaching the post and the squares I have alwasynassume brazing.

 

Regards

Luca 

[Geraint]

Dear Jack.

 

I think Marcin is essentially correct.  As you observe most menuki have a rectangular post with four supports at each face which is silver soldered into the menuki, as distinct from brazing.  I have never noted any signs of brazing but sometimes it is possible to see that the silver solder has spread around the back of the menuki.  You will see variations, some round posts and sometimes a star formed support in place of the four rectangles.  The back of the menuki should be slightly radiused so that they fit well against the rounded tsuka and often you will find a depression in the same to seat the post which should protrude beyond the radiused back, the post sitting in the depression helps to prevent the menuki moving out of place under the ito and supports the often thin metal of the menuki itself.  Quite often you will see menuki which have been filled with a composition to provide additional support.

Given the process of forming menuki, uchidashi, then it follows that the supports cannot be fitted until virtually the end of the making process, before patination.  Menuki of very thin metal, often poorly trimmed and with one or more very thin posts rather like a pin are later pressings made in large quantities at the end of the Meiji period and into the 20th century.

 

Hope that helps.

 

All the best.