SKULL & SPIKE JAPANESE MENUKI sword fitting katana tachi tsuba tanto SAMURAI

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SKULL & SPIKE JAPANESE MENUKI sword fitting katana tachi tsuba tanto SAMURAI:
$200.18

INTERESTING SET OF MENUKI, in a SKULL AND SPIKE DESIGN. They measure approx 54mm long and are very \'raised\' at approx 10mm. When they are wrapped on a sword handle, they should be wrapped so the skull projects up between the silk wrappings, giving a great effect, and also maximising on the palm grip of the menuki................ I bought a large number of menuki and sword fittings a number of years ago ( some with a large number of similar designs ) from an elderly collector. Some were old, these are later I believe, so listed accordingly. These are really nice, and would look amazing on a sword. The design reflects taking trophy heads during battle by the Samurai as evidence of a kill, I would imagine. .............I like the teeth, and the nose and eye sockets, almost a haunting look !!!.........The \'cut\' indented to the top of the skull, would be the slicing blow of a katana or tachi, the killing blow !...............Many years ago, I saw an Edo period menuki, with an almost identical design................. Note, these really should not be polished, as it destroys the patina and character, better to leave with original colour ! They come with the cotton bag in the photo.