Antique Japanese Samurai Iron Tsuba Sword Hilt Guard Gold Copper Inlay

This is an antique Japanese early Edo period 17th century (c.1596-1700) tsuba (handguard) for a Samurai Katana or Wakazashi sword.  It is possible that this dated back even further into the 1500's. This tsuba is made with typical forged steel and is in the shape of a marugata engraved with a monk replying to a koan. Mountains are shown in the background and a flowering tree in the foreground. It is inlayed with gold, copper and likely originally with silver as well. This tsuba shows considerable wear from lots of use. There are at least four tagane ato around the nakago indicating it was most certainly affixed to a sword. 

A beautiful example of samurai craftsmanship. It measures about 3" (7.5cm) by 3 1/8" (8cm) wide and 1/8" (.4cm) thick. Having been lovingly and carefully displayed by 3 generations of collectors, it remains in fine condition.