The Menuki - Parts of a Japanese Katana
The menuki are the decorative metal ornaments the are woven under the tsuka-ito (handle wrapping). These ornaments were originally made to hide the mekugi pins that secure the tsuka to the tang of the blade. They are normally positioned forward on one side and back on the other. These are your hand positions with the menuki fitting into your palms. On unique tsuka wrappings such as katate-maki or battle wrap the menuki may be woven into the centre as a decorative ornament. Some are very elaborate pieces made by talented jewellers and artisans that will compliment or become the centre piece of the katana's overall theme.
Menuki Photos
These are some photo's of the cariety of Menuki found on the Japanese katana that we offer.
Raptor feathers hilt ornaments (Menuki).
See more of the Raptor Nanbokucho Zukuri Katana
Raptor feathers hilt ornaments (Menuki).
See more of the Raptor Wakizashi
Menuki under the expert handle wrapping of the Kaeru Wakizashi by Hanwei.
See more of the Kaeru (Frog) Wakizashi
Traditionally, Samurai trained with the sword, bow, spear and naginata. While training, samurai would use wooden weapons for practice against each other, then sharp swords against dummies made of wood or straw.
See more of the Samurai Warrior Katana
Finely detailed gold plated oriole menuki and accents demonstrate Frenchie's keen attention to detail on all Dragon King designs.
See more of the Baika Tanto
The ito or handle wrap is of black natural silk imported from Japan. It is tightly wrapped around the full same-gawa or ray skin wrap with the proper hishigami or paper triangles present to ensure a long life of use.
See more of the Lotus Citadel Katana
Handle(Tsuka) - Wood core, genuine rayskin (Same), special non-stretch sueded wrap (Tsuka-ito) for firm grip and wear resistance. Raptor feathers hilt ornaments (Menuki).
See more of the Moroha Zukuri - Raptor Katana
The golden menuki feature a peony blossom, a symbol of bravery and honour.
See more of the Shi Shi Tanto
The menuki chosen were single gold horses. Keith wanted to show the horses running free without saddles or other samurai gear to help show the idea of the horses returning to the wild after a chaotic battle.
See more of the Peace Wakizashi
The menuki chosen were single gold horses. Keith wanted to show the horses running free without saddles or other samurai gear to help show the idea of the horses returning to the wild after a chaotic battle.
See more of the Peace Katana
The menuki are gold gilded representations of pine cones.
See more of the Old Pine Katana
The golden menuki feature a peony blossom, a symbol of bravery and honor, which is mirrored on the kozuka (knife).
See more of the Shi Shi Katana