M242.  Iron tsuba with inlay.  8 x 8.5 x .45 cm.  The nakago hitsu-ana is .9 x 2.9 cm.  A variety of techniques and materials are used on this piece.  2 twisting vines with brass inlay sit proud on each side; tendrils with berries branch off and are raised less proud of the surface.  The background is hira-zogan of brass or gold: leaves and flowers.  The plate, with a dote-mimi, shows ample & subtle tekkotsu on the edge.  Some of the hira zogan in the background is missing; all of the raised inlay is intact.  The number 888 is painted inside the nakago hitsu-ana (both sides); this tsuba used to belong to a museum or large collection.  Excellent condition.  $445.