Fuchikashira signed "Soryushi Takechika" with Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu. Takechika was born in 1827 and died 1887. He was a student of 6th generation Yasuchika, Masachika. He received Tsuchiya name in 1854 and later was awarded tittle of Hogen. He had 3 sons, 3 daughters and additional students. This group made many great fittings, a lot of which were exported and now are part of famous western collections.
This particular piece was a part of Mitsumura Toshimo collection, in Japan more commonly called Ryushido. He was Osaka born businessman captivated by swords and especially sword fittings. In 1909 he sold his collection to Nezu Kaichiro. Today about 1200 items from this collection are held in Nezu Museum in Tokyo. This is one of the best if not the best sword fittings collection in Japan. There are two modern books that showcase items form this collection. One is "Pinnacle of Elegance", second is "Mitsumura Collection in the Nezu Museum: Swords and Fittings".
Decorated with plum blossom.
In custom made kiri box from the Ryushido Collection.
