A large iron tsuba
By Nakajima Toshiharu (died 1852), Tanaka School, 19th century
Of rounded rectangular form with slightly raised rim, carved and inlaid with a broken carriage wheel and mantis, details in gold, signed Rakusei ju Toshiharu with inlaid gold kao.
8.5cm (3 3/8in).
FOOTNOTES
Provenance: Edward Wrangham collection.

For the maker, see Haynes, Index, no.H10323. He was a student of Tanaka Kiyotoshi and apparently was a guard at Nijo Castle in Kyoto, making tsuba as a hobby.