Q877. Tsuba of shakudo. 7.1 x 7.4 x .4 cm at the raised rim. The nakago hitsu-ana is .8 x 2.8 cm. Dragons above waves. Other than the dragons’ eyes in gold, there is no inlay; just a very fine, deep black shakudo. This tsuba is signed Yoshu (Iyo Province) Matsuyama Ju Kameshima Jinemon Minamoto Mitsuyoshi Saku. This comes with a Tokubetsu Hozon paper from the NBTHK in Tokyo, attesting to the signature and quality of the work.

According to The Haynes Index, Mitsuyoshi was a smith of the Iyo Shoami School, working in the 2nd half of the 18th century; he is H05580.0 in the Index. He worked in both soft metal and iron. Akiyama Kyusaku said his work resembled that of Tajima Myochin Yoshisada and he produced also work in the style of the Izumo Haruto School.

Condition is like new, perfect. $850.