Ikeda Kazuji (active 1860s) An iron tsuba Edo period (1615-1868), 1860s The iron tsuba comprising a rounded square rim enclosing an enso (Zen Buddhist circle) enclosing the seppadai, signed Shonai no ju Ikeda Kazuji tsukuru (Made by Ikeda Kazuji of Shonai [Dewa Province]) With a wood tomobako storage box and a Tokubetsu Hozon Tosogu (Sword Fitting Especially Worthy of Preservation) certificate no. 228817 dated February 24 2009, issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword) 3 1/4in (8.2cm) high