AN UCHIKOSHI STYLE IRON TSUBA
By Eishoken Naoyoshi, Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th century
Of oval form, inlaid with the genbu (Black Turtle) in gold, silver and shakudo takazogan, the reverse inlaid with a turtle, signed Tomiyama-shi no konomi ni yori kore o horu, Eishoken Naoyoshi with a kao; with a tomobako bearing a hakogaki by Dr Sato Kanzan. 7.6cm (3in). (3).
Footnotes
Accompanied by a NBTHK Hozon certificate.

For the maker, see Robert E. Haynes, The Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists, Ellwangen, Germany, Nihon Art Publishers, 2001, no.H06878.

The black turtle encompassed by a snake is known as genbu and is one of the guardians of the four cardinal points, along with the suzaku (vermilion bird), byakko (white tiger) and seiryu (Green Dragon).