NihontoWatchNihontoWatchThis elegant pair of menuki features a finely rendered grape motif and has been attributed by the NBTHK to the Kyō Kinkō tradition. The menuki are unsigned and are particularly notable for their solid gold construction, with the NBTHK certificate specifically recording the material as kin mukuji. Rather than relying upon surface gilding, the forms themselves are fashioned from solid gold, giving the set both a luxurious appearance and a considerable sense of quality. The grapes, leaves, vines, and curling tendrils are rendered through katachibori, a sculptural technique in which the metal is worked into the three dimensional form of the subject. Despite their small size, the menuki display considerable depth and detail, with overlapping leaves and clusters of grapes creating a rich and naturalistic composition. Grapes were a popular decorative subject in Japanese art, admired for the graceful form of their trailing vines and abundant fruit. The motif is traditionally associated with abundance, fertility, prosperity, and the continuation of successive generations, making it particularly suitable for decorative objects intended to convey auspicious meaning. The menuki are attributed to Kyō Kinkō, referring to the tradition of skilled soft metal craftsmen working in Kyoto. Kyoto was an important centre of refined metalwork throughout the Edo period, and Kyō Kinkō works are admired for their sophisticated designs, precise carving, and elegant treatment of classical and natural subjects.
NihontoWatchOffered by Toukentakarado
Kyo-kinko School
Edo
Yamashiro
Unsigned
Hozon
As written by the shop
Kinko · Yamashiro
Certifies a genuine fitting worth preserving: a correct signature, or, if unsigned, an identifiable era and school, with recognized artistic and craft value.
The NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai, the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords) is a public-interest incorporated foundation founded in 1948 and supervised by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkachō); it is based at the Japanese Sword Museum in Tokyo. Its expert panels physically examine each submitted work (shinsa) and issue a certificate (kanteishō) ranking it by artistic and historical merit. NBTHK papers are the most widely recognized standard of authentication for Japanese swords and fittings.
NBTHK official siteWe offer a three-day inspection period. To initiate a return, you must notify us within three days of the package being delivered. Once we confirm your request, you have seven days to ship the item back to us. The item must be returned in its original condition, including all accompanying documents, certificates, and packaging materials. The buyer is responsible for covering the shipping costs and insurance for the return shipment.
¥350,000