Japanese Tsuba (sword hand guard). Iron (tetsu). Four lobed shape (Mokko Gata). Tsuba with one hole (Histsu-ana) for storing small accessory and the main center hole (Nakago-ana) for the blade. The Histsu-ana is an opening for typically either for a Kogai (decorative tool used for tying or pinning hair) or Kozuka (a small knife with decorative handle). Simple design Tsuba with what appears to be some type of basic flower design. Size approximately 2 3/4 inches X 2 3/4 inches. Blade opening approximately 1 1/16 inches x 1/4 inch. Believe this is Edo period (1603-1867). Additional notes: The diameter of an average katana tsuba is 3.0 to 3.1 inches. The diameter of a typical wakizashi tsuba is 2.4 to 2.6 inches. The diameter of a typical tanto tsuba is 1.8 to 2.4 inches. A Kozuka is the small side knife stored in Kozuka Hitsu (groove on the side of the sheath of the Japanese sword). Many Tsubas (handguards) have two holes to put Kozuka and Kougai (equipment for appearance) next to Nakago-ana (the main center hole of the Tsuba to put sword blade). See Additional Information for shipping dimensions.
