C286.  Lacquered iron tsuba.  7.9 x 8 x .4 cm.  The nakago hitsu-ana is .9 x 2.7 cm.  We know that many iron tsuba were lacquered when in use but usually all we see of the lacquer is remnants here and there.  The majority of this tsuba’s lacquer is intact.  The theme is lantern flower and gourds. Someone thought this could be either Shonai or Akita Shoami, but who knows.  It is worked with nunome-like cross hatching of the lacquer on the rim.  $325.