Naga Maru Gara Tsuba (oval). Higo 肥後 Design, from the former Southern Province of Japan. Sea cucumber shaped openings.

• Material: Iron, smoked black finish
• Dimensions: 75 mm x 71 mm x 4.5 mm
• Weight: 90 g

Higo is the name of a province in Kyushu, now called Kumamoto. Its design was born from the know-how of the Higo province, and allows to transmit the Wabi-Sabi (侘寂 - Japanese expression of aesthetic admiration of imperfection and ancient things).
During the Edo period, the Tsuba Higo were considered the best products for samurai, so much so that it was often said "For the best Katana, go to Bizen; for the best Tsuba, look for Higo."

Namako 海鼠, or Sea Cucumber, is composed of the Kanji 'sea/ocean' 海 and 'mouse/rat' 鼠 because it resembles a rat crawling on the bottom of the sea. It has been a delicate and fine food served for special occasions since ancient times. It is also used in medicine.
Namako is mentioned in a legend in the Kojiki, a collection of myths dating back to the 8th century. It is mentioned as a dish of the Imperial court in the Engishiki, a collection of laws and regulations dating from 927. It has also been the subject of thousands of Haiku, in particular, because of its viscous touch, it is very difficult to grasp it.
The Namako has become the mascot of the Japanese navy because it does not flee, does not hide, and has a thick skin protecting it from enemies.

This is a Tsuba design that can be found in the oldest productions of the Muromachi period.
There are many similar examples of the Heain-Jo 平安城 school, with inlaid brass edging. This school was located in the former province of Yamashiro, in Heian-Kyo 平安京, the former name of Kyoto. This school produced guards for the mounts of the nobles of the court during the Muromachi period, from 1390.