LARGE JAPANESE KINKO (SOFT METAL) TSUBA (SWORD GUARD),Edo period (19th century). Large quatrefoil plate is medium to high relief on both sides. Obverse is water scene at base with Mount Fuji at top left. Clouds are emphasized by cut-out (sukashi). Two samurais are conversing (bottom right) while facing Mount Fuji. Reverse is Mount Fuji, in cut-out (sukashi clouds) with tree on left side and structure at mountain base near water at bottom left. Signature on obverse and reverse seppai dai, is a mixture of kanji and 'grass style' writing. Rim is applied high relief dark kinko (soft metal). Overall color is light chocolate brown. Tsuba may be the hamamono type, made for export from Yokohama, and not necessarily made to actually mount on a sword. - 4 5/8 in. high. Estimate $1,000-1,200
Excellent with exception of some minor scratches on obverse seppa dai.
