Antique Japanese 17th Century Samurai Signed Tsuba Sword Hilt Gold Inlay

This is an antique Japanese early Edo period 17th century (c.1596 - 1700) tsuba (handguard) for a Katana or Wakazashi. This tsuba is made with forged steel and is in the shape of a marugata and has what appears to be pine limb shaped openwork as well as engraved tiny x shaped fower patterns. Engraved with the sword smiths mei is engraved near the nakakgo hitsuana. This tsuba shows considerable wear from lots of use. The wear has smoothed down the whole tsuba. There are tagane ato around the nakago indicating it was most certainly affixed to a sword. 

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