As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this large and exceptional quality Meiji Period 1868-1912, bronze and mixed metal tsuba ( sword hand guard) this finely made tsuba depicts a temple guardian ( Nio ) aside a fence and foliage, the detail rendered in soft alloys including copper silver and gold upon an interesting bark textured bronze plate, the rear depicts a hare aside a character beneath an umbrella, as well as clothing attached to a silver pin, once again worked in mixed alloys upon the bark textured plate, the reverse inscription suggests that the tsuba was made in the spring of the year Kanoe-saru suggesting a date of manufacture of 1860, the front face of the tsuba is signed Somin with a kao monogram referring to the Edo period Somin school of metalwork masters.Literature : It is evident that the signature and inscriptions on Meiji Period tsubas and indeed many sword fittings of this type bore dedications to the early famous schools ...