目め貫ぬき

noun

menuki; ornamental hilt collar

A pair of small metal ornaments fitted under the hilt wrapping of a Japanese sword, originally serving to improve grip but often highly decorative. This is a specialized term used in the context of Japanese swords and their fittings.

• この刀かたなの目め貫ぬきには龍りゅうの細さい工くが施ほどこされている。

  The menuki on this sword features intricate dragon work.

• 目め貫ぬきはもともと手てが滑すべらないようにするための実じつ用よう的てきな部ぶ品ひんだった。

  Menuki were originally practical fittings to prevent the hand from slipping.