Iron tsuba of ryō-mokko-gata form decorated with a spotted deer (Nara deer or sika deer) motif in low relief carving (sukidashi-bori) and flat silver inlay (hara-zōgan); deer’s eyes and details in gold inlay. Signed on a copper cartouche: Noriyuki. Grass in low relief carving on the reverse.

There were two Noriyuki in Hamano school – father (Noriyuki I, 1736-1787) and son (Noriyuki II, 1771-1852). Frankly speaking, I don’t know which one made this particular piece.

Edo period, late 18th or early 19th century.

Size: 71.5 x 70.0 x 3.0 mm.