A bamboo Menuki, originally from a Samurai sword, found new life on this brooch created during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). These adornments were attached to the hilt of each Samurai sword. The purpose was to prevent the hand from slipping. Menuki are often animals but the sword makers used a variety of subjects. In 1876, Japan banned Samurai from wearing of swords. The masterful metalwork of the sword makers did not go to waste and was often repurposed into jewelry. This Menuki pin is a wonderful example and unusual because of the silver hallmark, jungin. This mark was primarily used during the Meiji period.
