T550. Iron tsuba with extensive brass inlay. 7.2 x 7.3 x .9 on the prominently raised rim (.6 cm on the thick plate). The nakago hitsu-ana is .8 x 2.7 cm. This tsuba, which was papered to Shoami in 2019 by the NBTHK (Hozon), displays very high quality inlay, none of which I can find missing. The beast on the right side of the front is likely a shishi, staring to the left with a fierce expression. However, if you see the beast as looking to the right, as I did when I bought this tsuba, he becomes Hobbes from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes and seems much friendlier. Whatever.

I think this one is special; I’m sure you will too. It comes in a box , on the cover of which a former owner has written small “Shoami tsuba”. Condition is excellent. $995.