Tachi Kanagushi Tsuba

This small tsuba is made of yamagane, but the patina is so smooth and rich in texture and colour that it looks like iron.  The scans don't do this tsuba justice.  Perhaps this was done on purpose, as the ishime on the plate of the tsuba also mimics texturing commonly applied to iron guards.  Regardless, this tsuba is excellent and would find a place of honour in any collection.   PLUS, it has significant age.

Late Muromachi  (16th c.)

6.0 x 5.7 x 0.25 cm