A large iron tsuba
By Myochin Yasuchika, Nara School, 18th century
Of octagonal form with raised rim, inlaid with ten chidori (plovers) wheeling in the air, in gold, copper and shakudo takazogan over carved water; signed Myochin Yasuchika cho. 9cm (3½in).
FOOTNOTES
鍔　千鳥　銘「明珍安親彫」　18世紀

The combined signature indicates that the plate was made by a member of the Myochin line of armourers, while the ten soft-metal chidori were added by a member of the Tsuchiya Yasuchika line, the first of whom (1670-1744) favoured the octagonal form seen here; it is believed that the chidori are by one of the earlier masters, working in the 18th century.