As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this large fine quality Meiji period ( 1868-1912) circa 1890 Gold lacquer Tsuba of quatrefoil form, this lavish Silver mounted oversized Tsuba ( Sword hand guard ) has been decorated in Shibayama style upon a Gold lacquer ground, the main subject depicts two Samurai hanging in baskets suspended from a rope across a Gorge, with a waterfall in the background, one Samurai threatens to burn the rope with his flaming torch whilst the other wields his Katana, clearly a no win situation for either Warrior as both will surely fall to their death, the reverse finely decorated with a bird in flight amidst Peony, Wisteria and other native Flora, artist signed in a red lacquer seal that translates to read Shinzan .Notes:Gold lacquer Tsuba''s such as this were often made by a collaboration of artists in the latter part of the 19th century, and aimed specifically at the emerging Western market, these opulent items woul...