Japanese Mixed Metal Kashira with Farmer and Silver Waterfall, Edo Period, c. 1800–1868,

Writing
This finely worked Japanese kashira, or sword hilt end cap, features a charming rural landscape rendered in relief and mixed-metal decoration. Against the dark ground, a small farmer wearing a gold hat carries a hoe across his shoulder, his clothing and legs accented in silver and gold.
Beside him, a tall silver waterfall descends through the landscape, crossed by a reddish copper-toned branch with gold foliage. Additional gold details scattered throughout the scene suggest foliage, rocks, and vegetation. The contrasting metals give remarkable depth and clarity to the composition despite the fitting's diminutive scale.
Scenes of rural life and the Japanese countryside were popular decorative subjects during the Edo period, particularly on sword fittings and other personal objects carried by members of the samurai class.
The kashira displays surface wear and patination consistent with age, with some loss and wear to the mixed-metal decoration. No matching fuchi is present.
Edo Period