This iron tsuba is of simple maru-gata form, forged from dense plate iron with a subdued, dark patina developed through long age and handling. The surface shows gentle hammer undulations and subtle linear texture, particularly visible along the lower quadrant.
The tsuba depicts an old man with sword resting next to water, looking contemplative. The work is performed in low relief with silver and gold inlays making up the fine details of the face and spray on the water. A large shakudo plug fills the kogai hitsu ana.
