Help with small iron tsuba

[Akitombo]

Hi,

 

I need some help with a small, 2.616 inches Dia, tsuba.

 

It is iron, with Sosho script or debased Kaisho on both sides.

 

Having looked through Japanese Art Signatures, Self and Hirose, I have nailed down three of them?

 

Is it a poem, saying??

 

Also, school and age.

 

As always, Thank you in advance.

 

David.N

[Marius]

David,

 

I hope I am wrong, but it looks like cast iron. I would carefully look for casting seams inside the openings.

 

Maybe it is just your photographs....

[Akitombo]

Hi,

 

No, not cast.

 

David

[Marius]

Phew

 

I am glad to see that Amazing how photographing can distort the colour and texture of a tsuba...