19c shakudo Japanese sword TSUBA man with lotus & bitter melons

Description

Early 19th century Japanese sword tsuba with combination of sunken and raised relief decoration of a seated man wearing eboshi (a specific hat worn by aristocrats to indicate rank) holding a bitter melon in his hands and looking at more melons and lotus leaves with flowers, design continuing on the back. Material appears to be shakudo (alloy of copper and gold) with characteristic black patination resembling lacquer. Excellent quality detailed work with gold, silver and copper inlays, superb detailing. Wonderful patina, in great condition. Height 2 15/16 inches.