Antique Japanese 17th Century Samurai Tsuba Sword Hilt "Earth" Stamped Gold Inlay

This is an antique Japanese Edo period (c.1596 - 1868) tsuba (handguard) for a Katana or Wakazashi. This tsuba is made with typical forged steel and is in the shape of a mokogata and stamped out dimond shaps as well as a stamp which reads "earth" (grate dirt) front and back. This tsuba shows wear from seginificant use especailly on the handle side where practicing in the hands has worn away a closed hand shape. Almost all the fine thin gold inlay is rubbed off they appear to be the traditional hemp leaf design on one side and diamond on the other. The wear has smoothed down the sides of the tsuba where it rubbed up against the obi belt from daily wear as well as wear where the thumb would pop the seal between the saya and the habaki. Also where the sword gripping hand 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." (8.5 cm) in diameter.  1/4" (.4cm) thick. Having been lovingly and carefully displayed by 3 generations of collectors, it remains in fine condition.