Large iron tsuba in kurikomi mokkô gata form, Japan, early Edo period (1603-1868) In this kurikomi mokkô form, each inner corner is decorated with a sukashi inome (boar's eye). The mimi is of the uchikaeshi (forge-raised edges) type, heavily hammered in the tembo style with the use of kokuin (hot stamps) and brass inlays. The hot stamps imitate the wormholes in the wood. The various techniques used in making this tsuba are characteristic of the Saotome Tembo school. 15.2 x 14.3 cm Provenance : Former Nourhan Manoukian collection (1906-1993). By descent.