Ko Shoami. This tsuba dates to the laste Muromachi period and has a wonderful iron ji rich with tsuchime. There are 2 Udenuki ana and a single elongated hitsu ana. There are 3 gold Varja and gold stars on the front, 2 gold Varja and gold stars on the back. The Vajra here, along with the combination of stars appear to make up constellations in the night sky. There appears to be a connection between Astrology and the Vajra. I am still studying this and will add more as I find it. There are long running folds indicating 2 plate construction running along the mimi.

The Vajra (or 金剛杵 Kongosho) is originally a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond and is a ritual tool which is symbolically important to both Buddhism and Hinduism, but is particularly important in Buddhism. The vajra destroys all kinds of ignorance, and itself is indestructible. In direct relation to tosogu, it is said that when made to be worn as a pendant, the Vajra reminds the wearer, and the viewer for that matter of the supreme indestructibility of knowledge. This would I think, also apply particularly to a design on a tsuba and or a Kashira.