Menuki?

[CurtisR]

Hello to all you fine Tosugo experts,

 

I have recently purchased the attached for a (IMO) very reasonable price. I primarily bought it because it was unusual and I like the design. Workmanship seems decent. Measurements are approx. 1 1/4" x 3". and it appears to be mixed-metal.

I understand it's not as thick in structure as other Menuki, and am wondering if it even IS a Menuki, or perhaps some other type of adornment? The raised streamers on the nose hint that it's not, but strange things have happened, yes?

 

I also have no positive info. on age but am guessing post WWII due to the thinness of the metal used. I don't get my feeling shirt easily and bought it on a whim, so please feel free to guess away .

 

Regards,

 

Curt R.

[CurtisR]

By the way...my guess would be Post WWII as to age, but any thoughts are appreciated.

 

Curt R.

[Brian]

You should really resist those whims.

Single menuki are seldom worth a purchase, and in this case it is probably a tobacco pouch ornament. Whilst this one looks a bit above average for these, thin pressed brass menuki = poor quality. Pre-1900 though.

 

Brian

[Baka Gaijin]

Good morning all

 

I agree with Brian, usually you can tell these from the thin wires that were used to push through the material of the pouch and thus affix the item.

 

It looks like there is a remnant wire stub at about 8 o'clock on the reverse image.

 

I've heard the term Kanamono applied to these items, but I don't know if this is correct.

 

Cheers

 

Malcolm

[CurtisR]

Thank you Brian and Malcolm - I am learning to resist the temptations (and have learned a lot here so far, which helps the resistance)

 

The tabaco clasp theory makes very good sense...it was at a very decent price, and as was such a nice design I thought I'd venture into it, even suspecting it was'nt Menuki. One thing I did NOT know was that a single menukis isvery seldom worth buying, so will carry that forward. Time to start saving for that set of Goto Menuki now though! Many thanks for your thoughts, again.

 

Best Regards,

 

Curt R.

[Pete Klein]

There is something else which would make it somewhat unlikely to be a menuki and that is the dragon's whiskers. That they are free standing would invite breakage in hand or bending under wrap and therefore a poor candidate for mounting.