Tsuba, mid- 19th century (CH 18343039)

This iron tsuba is aori (oval) in shape and has a koniku mimi (slightly raised square outer rim). Chunikubori (medium high relief) carving with Kin nunome zōgan (hatching inlaid with gold) shows a design with hoshiami (drying fish nets). Birds fly under the moon.
At the center is the nakago-ana, an opening through which the sword passes. Surrounding this is the seppadai, a flat oval area that is migaki (burnished).