Shakudo menuki with two sumo wrestlers in a fight. This is a very rare motif therefore there is no guarantee what exactly it depicts. However Japanese sword fittings almost always show a specific person that refers to a know story. Most important sumo wrestler of all times might be Nomi no Sukune, who is considered a creator of Sumo. After receiving an order from Emperor Suinin he defeted Taima no Kehaya, who claimed to be the strongest man under the haven. On woodblock prints I managed to find both fighters are shown as very muscular man with extensive facial hair. And that is exactly what is depicted on this menuki set.
This menuki show some amazing craftsmanship that is well visible on pictures provided.
Size:
Omote: 21 mm x 19 mm
Ura: 21 mm x 21 mm
Made in 19th century.
In custom made kiri box.
