Tsuzumi tsuba (Kaga Kinko)

Edo period (1615-1868) 

Kaga-kinko
(NBTHK)

Inscription: Mumei(unsigned)

Dimensions: 6.91 cm x 6.64 cm (2.72 in x 2.61 in).
Thickness of rim: 0.41 cm (0.16 in).
Weight:85g

Features: Round shakudo plate tsuba, Tsuzumi or a Japanese hand drum is engraved and inlaid with gold inlay.
This piece is most likely a piece from Kaga Kinko School.

Background
The Kaga Clan were influential and wealthy during the Edo period. Their capital at Kanagawa became an important artistic centre. The area became known for its metal inlaying techniques, and this tsuba is a good example of the fine work that the artisans became known for.