Toryu2020

Minatogawa...

Paul is already on the case... Shin Gobankaji Project

The key piece of information is that Hankei carved his signature and did not chisel it (see the pictures in Jean's link) - I am sure this is why folks are skeptical of the signature... -t

I would agree Shigeyoshi - a well regarded smith thus you want to be cautious. Could we see a photo of the whole tang? -tom

Not especially rare. What makes them special is the metal used is often the same as found in their swords so plain iron is most often seen, sometimes you get mokume, sometimes you see a more elaborate design and of course you often get the same signature as on one of their swords. Originally we are told there were few tsuba makers and so swordmakers had to produce a tsuba, usually a plain flat plate (Tosho), once we enter the Edo period we see more elaborate work and the swordmakers signature (Toko)... -t

Nice one!

Brian the travelling hat and walking stick are symbolic of a sophisticated court lady in exile - I believe it is imagery from Genji Monogatari... -t

NBTHK-AB

Excellent reading...

Dan I would read thru this thread...

Daisho tsuba - lacquer exterior iron core…

A tsuba by Hosokawa Tadayoshi - thru fire or other damage you can see the patina has flaked off…

I think you are looking at an applied patina that has flaked off... -t