Antique Japanese Samurai Iron Tsuba Sword Hilt Bores Eye Amida Yasuri Etched

This is an antique Japanese Edo period (c.1596-1868) tsuba (handguard) for a This tsuba was affixed to a sword worn by a samurai during or before the mid Meiji period (the wearing of swords except by officials was banned in 1876) and was used or practiced with. There are signs of wear and oxidation around where the seppa would have trapped the moisture from the hands due to regular use and practice. The Nakago (blade hole) has front and back bronze or copper sekigane (a softer metal applied to the top and bottom of the nakago after forging to get a better fit and for shock absorption) indicating that the tsuba was affixed to a working sword. The tsuba is made with typical forged steel and is in the shape of a mokkogata etched with outward radiating lines known as a Bores Eye or Amida Yori the shining light of the Buddha (the Buddha in this case being the tip of the blade of the sword when pointed at an opponent).A beautiful example of samurai craftsmanship. It measures about 2 3/4" (7 cm) by 3" (7.5 cm) wide and 1/4" (.5cm) thick. Having been lovingly and carefully displayed by 3 generations of collectors, it remains in fine condition.