Tsuba signed "1st year of Bunkyu, Year of the Metal Rooster, August, Wada Isshin, Kao" with Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu. This long signature translates to "August 1861, Wada Isshin". He was born November 11th 1814. His father was a country samurai, however he was adopted by a sword dealer from Kyoto name Fujiki Kyubei. Fujiki Kyubei saw Isshin talent and introduced him to Goto Ichijo. Isshin became Goto Ichijo student and become one of the best artists in the Ichijo School group. Isshin died December 4th 1882.
Before I go any further with the description I need to reveal a small secret about this piece. Gold and silver treasures on this tsuba are not inlaid and most probably not part of the original design. It looks like they are attached with something like Engraver’s Pitch. This material is easy to remove, but does not provide a strong fix. Just a bit of temperature makes it soft to the point that those treasures can be easily moved or removed. It seems that they are covering cavities designed for the inlay. Saying all that this tsuba comes with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon so is "especially worth preserving" and was published in Kazutaro Terigoye "Tsuba Kanshoki".
Decorated with clouds and treasures. As mentioned before treasures are probably not part of the original design.
Made of iron with polished ground.
We will never know what was the original design of this tsuba, however It remains an amazing item showcasing the best qualities of the Ichijo School. Carving of clouds on this tsuba is stunning!
Size: 76 mm x 70 mm x 3 mm
In custom made kiri box.
With NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon tosogu.
Published on page 281 of "Tsuba Kanshoki" by Kazutaro Terigoye
