A very good and elegant tsuba of the Namban School.
Edo period (circa 1700).
The Kiku-gata (form like a chrysanthemum) iron tsuba is decorated with gold inlay and openwork.
Very fine and delicate sukashi carving.
The design is of a Shachihoko (lit. 'killer whale'). An imaginary animal with a tiger's head, a fish's body with sharp spikes along the back. Said to afford protection to what it was attached. Also used on roofs, samurai dwellings and tower gates.
Highlighted in iroe zogan.
7.70cm X 7.20cm X 0.50cm, nakago-ana 3.0cm.