AF26050 Tsuba: Mumei(unsigned)(Nishigaki)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu)

Tsuba:(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu)
Inscription: Mumei(unsigned)(Nishigaki　西垣)

Dimensions: 8.05cm × 7.84cm (3.17in × 3.09in)
Thickness of center: 0.32cm (0.13in)
Weight: 77g

Era: the Edo period, the 17th century
Features:
A thin iron tsuba with an openwork design of a kasa (traditional Japanese hat), finished with file marks and decorated with silver-inlaid karakusa (arabesque) patterns.
The Nishigaki school, founded by Nishigaki Kanshiro, is a Higo-based lineage of Ōmi origin.
In Higo, under the aesthetic influence of the daimyo Hosokawa Tadaoki,　who was also well versed in the tea ceremony, a subdued and practical style of sword fittings—often described as embodying wabi-sabi—was developed. This piece likewise exhibits a quiet, contemplative beauty.

In Kiri box
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper