Ko Shoami. C. Late Muromachi to Momoyama Period. Excellent pre Edo tsuba depicting the theme of Raiden (Rai 雷 - Thunder and Den 電 - lightning) or thunder clouds and lightning with the clouds carved in Maru-bori 丸彫 (round carving). The thunder and lightning motif isn't that common in this group, but is mirrored in the classic Shoami style and delicately done. There is a slight feeling of Kyo with the elongated seppa dai and large thin hitsuana. There are small granular tekkotsu in the mimi and there looks to be tekkotsu in the form of masame hada on the hira or surface of the tsuba. Normally the maru-bori would push it from Kyo-sukashi over to Kyo-Shoami, but with the archaic feel, I'd say Ko-Shoami is right. The rounded rim is also an interesting point.

Raiden (雷電) generally refers to, or is associated with Raijin (雷神), the god of thunder, who is commonly pictured with drums, beating them so as to create thunder and lightning. I am unsure if this theme is a variation on the Raijin theme, but it was well represented in many forms of Tosogu throughout history. This tsuba may have a link to this well known Shinto deity, or it 's purpose may just be to evoke a feeling power and strength, which it does quite effectively.

Size, 84mm x 5mm (seppa dai) and 4mm (mimi).