C299. Iron tsuba with a carved kiku (chrysanthemum) design. 8.1 x 8.3 x .33 cm. The nakago hitsu-ana is .9 x 2.9 cm. At first I thought this was a compromised piece: too much corrosion. But having given it a second look I’m convinced the corrosion is too consistent to be a product of misuse, and then I noticed the sparkle in the iron. When an iron tsuba has sparkles it is a sign that sa tetsu (sand iron) was used; sa tetsu shines on a tsuba like nie shines on a sword. I believe this piece is pretty much exactly as it was meant to be. My pictures probably don’t do justice; I think this deserves attention. $160.