Q786. Iron tsuba. 8 x 8.2 x .5 cm. The nakago hitsu-ana is .9 x 2.7 cm. This tsuba comes with a Hozon paper from the NBTHK in Tokyo, dated 2008 and giving it to Edo Higo. The Hosokawa, the Daimyo of Higo Province, had a residence/compound in Edo (present day Tokyo). The NBTHK is saying they believe this was made by a smith working for the family in Tokyo. There is extensive gold inlay and almost none of the gold is missing. Interesting.

This tsuba comes with a better than usual box; unfortunately a prior owner has written Higo Tsuba on the lid. $795.