H480. Juzu (Buddhist rosary beads) tsuba. 7.3 x 7.4 x .4 cm. The nakago hitsu-ana is .8 x 2.4 cm. The story goes that Buddhist monks on the 3 sacred mountains of Haguro developed this design; some say it has special power. If you google juzu tsuba you’ll learn a lot more. The single ryo-hitsu is plugged with lead. The upper right outside edge of this tsuba has been worn down from a long time of being worn and a Sanurai’s thumb resting there.

This is a very fine tsuba in excellent condition. It has come to me recently from the Skip Holbrook collection; it probably won’t be here too long. $695.