FOUR INLAID-IRON TSUBA (HAND GUARDS) Edo period (1615-1868), 18th/19th century Comprising a rounded rectangular tsuchimeji tsuba chiseled and inlaid in relief in silver and gold with a dragon in clouds; a rare Nanban-style mokko tsuchimeji tsuba with a raised rim, chiseled in relief with a dragon and two flying phoenixes embellished with gold hirazōgan; a rounded rectangular migakiji tsuba with a slightly raised rim chiseled and inlaid with gold and shakudō highights with carp swimming among water weeds, pilings, and reeds, signed Munehiro koku; and a Higo-Kumagai tsuba of rounded rectangular form with a raised rim chiseled with a design of swirling clouds and a small wagtail beside a stream, the details in silver takazōgan and two shades of gold nunomezōgan; accompanied by a Hozon Tōsōgu (Sword Fitting Worthy of Preservation) certificate no.446593 issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Tōken Hozon Kyōkai (Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Art Sword), dated October 27, 2003 3 1/4in (8.3cm) high, the largest (4). Footnotes: Provenance The second and fourth previously sold at Bonhams, London, May 13, 2008, lots 67 and 57 The third previously sold at Christie's, May 14, 2008, lot 2499 Lot to be sold without reserve. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ¤ ¤ Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as 'No Reserve' or 'Without Reserve'), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing