https://emuseum.cornell.edu/internal/media/dispatcher/71718/fullOpenwork Tsuba with scalloped edges with holly leafEdo period, early 18th century[]IronMasatora of Akasaka School. Born in 1707, the third Akasaka master, after Tadamasa I and II, none of whom sign their work. The maker of this piece was identified by Jack Paras of Alameda, Ca., from a Japanese catalogue volume on sword mounts, the signatures of this family being the form of the indentures around the tang opening. Mr. Paras' advice in that the piece is quite typical of the school and is a 'steal' at the paid price. The holly leaf design may be symbolic of the custom of placing a holly sprig over the doorway on New Year's Eve to repel the Oni spirits.com.gallerysystems.emuseum.core.entities.Classification@6fhttps://emuseum.cornell.edu/objects/9308/rdf