{"product_id":"antique-japanese-edo-period-gilt-copper-menuki-wasp-suzumebachi-in-high-relief","title":"Antique Japanese Edo Period Gilt Copper Menuki Wasp Suzumebachi In High Relief,","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA finely detailed \u003cem\u003emenuki\u003c\/em\u003e (ornamental sword hilt fittings) depicting a large wasp (\u003cem\u003esuzumebachi 蜂\u003c\/em\u003e), cast and chiseled in copper alloy with traces of original gilding. The insect is rendered with lifelike accuracy—large compound eyes, articulated wings, and the characteristic narrow waist—showcasing the remarkable realism and natural observation typical of late Edo \u003cem\u003ekinkō\u003c\/em\u003e (金工) craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wasp was a favored but relatively rare motif in samurai sword decoration, symbolizing courage, vigilance, and the capacity for decisive defense. Unlike the dragonfly, which could not fly backward and symbolized unwavering advance, the wasp embodied swift and fearless retaliation—an apt emblem of the warrior’s readiness and spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach piece was originally mounted on the \u003cem\u003etsuka\u003c\/em\u003e (hilt) of a \u003cem\u003ekatana\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003ewakizashi\u003c\/em\u003e, set into the ray-skin grip beneath the silk wrapping. The underside retains traces of original patination and mounting adhesive, consistent with Edo-period fittings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Copper alloy with gilding (\u003cem\u003ekinkō iroe\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMotif:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wasps (\u003cem\u003esuzumebachi 蜂\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edo (18th–19th century)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 1.8\" (4.6 cm) L × 0.8\" (2.0 cm) W\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e From a long-held private U.S. collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeywords:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003emenuki\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003esuzumebachi\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003esamurai sword fitting\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ekoshirae\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ekinkō metalwork\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eedo jidai\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003einsect motif\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ecourage\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ewarrior spirit\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eJapanese sword furniture\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: L 2in, W 1in, D 1in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Consignment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52906812473661,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/2348\/3709\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_6e54464f-6133-4505-bb6e-c79a08405713.jpg?v=1787270432","url":"https:\/\/shogunsgallery.com\/products\/antique-japanese-edo-period-gilt-copper-menuki-wasp-suzumebachi-in-high-relief","provider":"Shogun's Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}