Iron tsuba signed "Masanaga" with NBTHK Hozon Tosogu. Unfortunately at this time I am not sure which "Masanaga" made it. According to Toso Kinko Jitten by Wakayama there are three artists that signed with that name using those kanji. One is "Jugakken Masanaga" from Ishiguro School. Student of Ishiguro Masahiro. He was a nanako artist however according to Haynes Index he also made iron tsuba. Another artist using those kanji is Bushu Masanaga. Third one is Kyoyosai Masanaga who worked in soft metals.
According to Haynes Index there is also Jingoemon Masanaga from Bushu School that sometimes used those kanji to write his name. It seems to me that there is a bit of a mix up with all Bushu Masanaga. However all examples of their work I was able to find are made in a classic Bushu School style. Tsuba in hand with carved seppa dai is not.
This tsuba was purchased from Japanese dealer. He did not know which artist made it, however was certain that It was not Masanaga from Bushu School.
At this point I do not know which Masanaga made it, however I will be mostly looking for signature examples of Ishiguro Masanaga on one of his iron plates.
Iron tsuba with gold inlaid eyes and droplets.
Size: 85 mm x 83 mm x 4 mm
In custom made kiri box.
