Maru Gata Tsuba (round). Kagesho Sukashi 影 蝶 透 with Butterfly Silhouette pattern, made by openings, in blackened copper.

• Material: Iron, smoked black finish
• Dimensions: 79 mm x 76 mm x 4 mm
• Weight: 71 g

The Kagecho, the Butterfly Silhouette, is a symbol of the nocturnal butterfly, which represents change and rebirth, a symbol of transformation after rebirth. The butterfly also represents the flight of the souls of the deceased. It is also highly regarded for its beauty and grace.
The butterfly is used as the heraldic mon of the Taira clan, one of the 4 oldest and most powerful clans in Japan along with the Minamoto, Fujiwara, and Tachibana.

A very similar tsuba, made by the Shoami school, is mounted on a blade made by Izumi No Kami Kanesada (Nosada) and is nicknamed 'Kasen Kanesada'. This blade was given to Tadaoki Hosokawa (1563-1646), Daimyo of Mino Province from 1580 and husband of Akechi Mitsuhide's daughter. His son Tadatoshi was given the title Daimyo of Higo Province in Kyushu, where Tadaoki Hosokawa retired, to Yatsushiro Castle.
The story goes that Tadaoki Hosokawa was dissatisfied with the vassals surrounding his son. He then summoned them one by one to Yatsushiro Castle and beheaded them with this blade. The number of condemned rose to 36, in reference to the '36 Wise Poets', Sanjurokkasen, from which comes the nickname of this sword 'Kasen'.
The '36 Wise Poets' is a list of Japanese poets of the Heian period, selected by Fujiwara No Kinto (966-1041).