FIVE TSUBA (HAND GUARDS)Edo period (1615-1868), 17th to 19th centuryThe first rounded octagonal, silver, stamped with numerouskiri-mon (paulownia crests); the second almost circular, brass with an applied rim, stamped with stylized snowflake motifs; the third circular, iron, formed from threetomoe ma) shapes and three openwork stylized floral motifs; the fourth circular, iron with traces of gold,Kyo-sukashi type, with openwork design of flowering irises and waves; the fifth oval, small,shibuichi with an applied ropework rim, chiselled inkatagiri-bori with a dragon, clouds, and bamboo, signedKazuhisa with akao; all with wood storage boxes.The smallest: 5.7cm (2¼in) high; the largest: 8.5cm (3 3/8in) high. (10).