Wild things

[Franco D]

2 hours ago, George KN said:

And the menuki possibly pairs of Ho-o / Phoenix (I can't find another bird with such a long tail - similar to this: https://daytonart.em...orm-of-a-hoo-phoenix). Alternatively I suppose they could be pheasants?

 

Tail leans towards Ho-o/Phoenix. 

 

2 hours ago, George KN said:

Bonus question, how can you tell if a menuki is gold leaf, gold plated, or solid gold whilst still on the tsuka?

 

Take them to a jeweler and have them tested. My guess is that they are not gold and are a cast set of menuki. 

Often it is difficult to tell without looking at the backs of menuki to tell the difference between leaf and solid.

In this case I'm betting neither.

[Hokke]

9 hours ago, George KN said:

These are both from the same sword of mine, the saya has what I think is likely a type of swallow: 

 

 

And the menuki possibly pairs of Ho-o / Phoenix (I can't find another bird with such a long tail - similar to this: https://daytonart.em...orm-of-a-hoo-phoenix). Alternatively I suppose they could be pheasants? (but not sure the tails quite fit):

 

Bonus question, how can you tell if a menuki is gold leaf, gold plated, or solid gold whilst still on the tsuka? I do believe these are likely gilt, but not sure how I can confirm that.
 

find someone in your area that has an xrf metal tester. It is harmless to the object being scanned and will give you a full breakdown of composition. A regular jeweler will likely be unhelpful unless they have XRF. Without the ability to hold the menuki in hand and examine it front and back with magnification the only other option would be acid testing which cannot be done with damaging the menuki. 

[ROKUJURO]

15 hours ago, Hokke said:

...... acid testing which cannot be done with damaging the menuki. 

....without damaging the MENUKI.

[Hokke]

6 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

....without damaging the MENUKI.

Ah yes, thank you sir, that is in fact what I meant to write. 

[Xander Chia]

Sika deer in its summer coat.

 

 

[FlorianB]

Won't be a drag, but it looks not original Japanese to me…

[John C]

Swans?

 

John C.

[ROKUJURO]

Photo is not well focused, but I think more of cranes.

[Lewis B]

33 minutes ago, John C said:

Swans?

 

John C.

Beak is too long for Swans. I'm with Jean, Cranes or Storks

[Shugyosha]

On 1/27/2025 at 3:28 PM, Xander Chia said:

Sika deer in its summer coat.

 

 

 

I think it's a representation of Jurōjin - often depicted with a staff (sometimes with a fan too) and a deer.