Higo Nishigaki Kanshiro soft metal maru gata tsuba unsigned. A fine and rare example of soft metal work by the third Nishigaki Kanshiro master of the design called “chidori nami nu zu” (chidori / plover and wave). This tsuba is stylistically is very similar to the mokko shaped example published in Ito Sans work on the Nishigaki school and uses the same inlay combination of shakudo, silver and copper. Although unsigned the work is clearly recognisable as the 3rd master (1680 – 1761) by the distinctive carving of the wave crests and the use of the piled mochi (rice cakes) hitsu ana shape which was not used by either of the first two School masters. The edge of mimi in this example has been gilded in gold with a cat scratch finish. No papers with this tsuba but I guarantee that it is 100% authentic. Size. 7.63cm x 7.26 cm x 0.45 cm SD 0.37cm mimi Weight 135.4g