A fine and unusual Japanese iron sukashi tsuba, Edo period, of squared rounded form with two arrangements of five vertical and four horizontal strokes, signed to the centre, diameter 8cm. Provenance: the collection of the late Roald Knutsen (1933-2025). Note: Roald and Patricia Knutsen identified the signature as Tetsuzin, probably 18th century, the design being of the Shugendo Mikkyo, a prayer (in stylized visual form) for empowerment and protection by Marishi-Ten, the war deity worshipped by many warriors and especially Kenshi in the Bugei.