Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enameled Sword Guard - Tsuba

Description

This fine Japanese sword guard (tsuba) is worked with traditional floral designs on the primary side.
The back of the tsuba is decorated with various cloud like designs.
While in general cloisonnne enameled works are very difficult to date, we see that the traditional design and color palette of the cloisonné enamels indicates an early work.
Based upon these classic designs, this tsuba most likely dates from the early Meiji (1868 - 1912) period, or quite possibly late Edo (1615 - 1868) period.
The high quality is consistent throughout, with the utility tool opening for the kodzuka, referred toas the kozuka-hitsu and the outer rim are both bordered with a gilt finished brass rim (mimi).
I originally purchased this tsuba many years ago as one of my first collections I formed was Japanese swords and fittings.
Japanese sword fittings made from cloisonne enamel are very rare, and I tried to acquire as many examples that I could find and afford over a 30+ year period.
The height of the tsuba is approximately 2.25 inches
The width of the tsuba is approximately 2.0 inches
Overall, an exceptionallyoutstanding example of a rare cloisonne enameled tsuba decorated with a traditional floral design; it would be hard to find a better example for thisprice.
Due to the fragile nature of cloisonné enamels, this item will be packed with tremendous care.
This item will be shipped by USPS Priority Mail with insurance to confirmed addresses within the United States.  We currently cannot ship overseas or international deliveries at this time.
Please ask all questions prior to bidding.  Thank you!