LARGE JAPANESE KINKO (SOFT METAL) TSUBA (SWORD GUARD),Edo period (19th century). Large plate carved in high relief to depict two cranes in water scene with bamboo background. Reverse is low relief carved scene depicting tall water plants in water. Cranes and bamboo are silver gilt with some gilt on cranes. Overall background is two-tone brown. Tsuba may be the hamamono type, made for export from Yokohama, and not necessarily made to actually mount on sword. Tsuba is signed in 'grass style' writing, difficult to translate. - 3 3/4 in. high. Estimate $750-850
