HIRATA HARUAKI: A RARE ENAMELLED IRON TSUBA WITH INSECT DESIGNBy Hirata Haruaki, signed Hirata HaruakiJapan, Hirata school, c. 1880, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Heckmann, Günther (1995) Tsuba, no. T76.The iron tsuba of marugata shape, the ground finely worked in mokume resembling tree bark, inlaid with seven various insects to both sides executed in gold wire and predominantly emerald green translucent enamels with some white, purple, and yellow. Signed to the front HIRATA HARUAKI.HEIGHT 7.4 cm, LENGTH 7.2 cmWEIGHT 142 gCondition: Excellent condition. The enamels are all intact with some very light pitting and manufacturing flaws.The artist is listed in the Haynes Index of Japanese Sword Fittings and Associated Artists on p. 198 (H 00765.0) and is said to be the student and later coworker of Hirata Haruyuki (H 00939.0).