Iron Nara School Tsuba 

The tranquil figure of Toba, riding his mule along a mountain path, is the subject of this iron wakizashi tsuba. To the obverse, Toba is carved in high relief (takazogan) with details in gold and silver inlay. To the reverse, a small meandering stream is carved into the surface with gold nunome bamboo leaves.  Sekigane applied to the nakago ana.

'Historically, Toba was an Official and Court Calligraphist who lived China(1036-1101). He was degraded from his post owing to intrigues against him, but was re-instated in 1086, to be again degraded in 1094, where he was exiled to the island of Hainan. He is generally shown in Japanese art riding on a mule and wearing an enormous hat. When added, the landscape is rough and the road lined with snow covered bamboos."
Information taken from joly's Legend in japanese Art. pg 531.

 Mid to late Edo Period (18th c.)
 

$300