Iron tsuba of four-lobbed mokkō form (possibly it was circular and then altered to produce the mokkō) with slightly raised rim decorated with three kukurizaru (‘tied up monkey’ toy) in openwork (sukashi) next to kogai-hitsu-ana; inlaid in red-ish copper (suaka) with the design of bamboo stems and leaves, and shapeless masses which most probably represent snow. Kozuka-hitsu-ana plugged with shakudo. Probably original kogai-hitsu-ana. Copper sekigane. Surface still covered with lacquer (urushi).

Late Muromachi period (1514-1573).

Size: 86.1 x 85.8 x 2.6 mm

NBTHK Certificate №4002543: Hozon – “Worthy of preservation” (Attribution: Mumei Heianjō Zōgan)