Metal particles are to be found on many Japanese prints and paintings. Seven prints and two fan paintings were examined, and particles of metal were removed and examined in a scanning electron microscope. Particles of gold-coloured metal were found to be copper-zinc alloys and corroded to brown or black particles by forming compounds with sulphur and sometimes chlorine. Silvery metals were found to be predominantly tin. Three of the objects examined had mica applied over pigmented areas to give a metallic sheen.