| This work signed Shigetada is considered to belong to the same lineage as Shigetsugu and Tadatsugu, Kyoto-based metalsmiths of the mid-Edo period who typically used two-character signatures and produced round iron plate tsuba with small openwork floral designs, judging from its stylistic features and signature manner.The refined iron plate is of excellent quality and free from corrosion, finished with Amida-yasuri file marks and a subtly hammered-back rim (uchikaeshi-mimi). The design features a layered chōji (clove) motif rendered in fine openwork, giving the piece a clean, sophisticated appearance reminiscent of swordsmith-style tsuba. |