An iron tsuba
By Morikawa Masakage, Tanaka school, 19th century
Of rounded rectangular form with raised rim, carved and inlaid with a large tiger seated beneath a snow-covered pine tree in the branches of which sits a small monkey, while a small goat, a weasel and a rabbit run below in a rainstorm, the reverse with two running deer, all in gold, silver and shibuichi takazogan; signed Hojusai Masakage with kao. 8.2cm (3¼in).
FOOTNOTES
鍔　虎と走る動物　銘「宝殊斎政景（花押）」　19世紀

For the maker, see Robert Haynes, The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, Ellwangen, Germany, 2001, no.H04059.