Simple mokko gata iron tsuba. Looking for info

[Lewis B]

I picked this tsuba up a while ago. My first one. Its simplicity and 'honesty' appealed to me and that it was mounted at least 2 times. Apart from the mokko gata shape the only other adornment is quite an intricately designed and execution of gold inlay in the filled hitsu-ana. The vertical lines scored in the material (I assume its lead alloy) are reminiscent of stems and the gold representing the flower heads eg iris. Could this embellishment have been added at a later date? Any ideas regarding period and maker/school? 

 

 

 

[ROKUJURO]

2 hours ago, Lewis B said:

......Could this embellishment have been added at a later date? .....

I definitely think so. The TSUBA could have some age, maybe end of MUROMACHI or very early EDO, but unfortunately, corrosion is not a good indication of age.

[Lewis B]

Thats what I thought. Might the simplicity of the overall tsuba design and rough cutting of the open hitsu ana suggest its a provincial piece? The current sizing of the nakago ana fit my short Senjuin sword perfectly. This understated tsuba works nicely with the blade and doesn't detract. Now I just have to find a tsuka to complete the set. 

[ROKUJURO]

....which will be the difficult part!

Artur Oskroba has a wide range of TSUKA for sale, but fitting one to an existing NAKAGO is a lot of slow work!

[Iaido dude]

I made a tsuka from scratch for a katana out of modern production materials, but of course if you want a period tsuka, that is a different proposition since altering it is not desirable unless one doesn't care about maintaining original condition. Making one requires learning how to use a traditional saya nomi chisel that can be purchased (https://www.waltersorrellsblades.com/product-page/saya-nomi-Japanese-scabbard-chisel).

[ROKUJURO]

They are not cheap, and not close to the Japanese originals in my opinion.