Very charming Japanese iron tsuba of rounded form decorated with iroe-zogan inlaid puppies playing with abalone shell on a string and with a distant mountain carved in low relief above. Reverse decorated with a stream surrounded by small flowers. Unsigned.
Typical age-related patina and surface wear with rubbing to inlaid decoration as per photographs.
Dimensions: 6.9×6.4 cm
Origin: Japan
Date of production: Edo period (1603–1867)
Material: iron, copper, gold, silver