Iron tsuba of round form with design of military commander’s fan (gunbai) in openwork (sukashi). Square rim. Hitsu-ana plugged with lead or tin.

Ko-tosho school.

Mid-Muromachi period (1454-1513), Entoku era (1489-92) / Meio era (1489-1501).

Height: 80.3 mm, Width: 81.5 mm, Rim thickness: 3.0 mm. Centre thickness: 3.5 mm.

Provenance: Sasano Masayuki Collection,  №23 in Japanese Sword Guard Masterpieces from the Sasano Collection, 1994: Ko-tosho. Sukashi design: Military commander’s fan (gunbai). Mid Muromachi period. Late 15th century (Entoku / Meio era). The military commander’s fan (gunbai) was cherished by samurai warriors. This tsuba is relatively thick, with the large fan nicely positioned on the plate.