Tensho style Koshirae
There is one typical style of mount in 16th century, that is called Tensho style. The style appears around the Tensho era (1573-1592). It is the time high rank samurai start to use katana instead of tachi. The scabbard is simple black painted and so is the ray skin on the handle. Most of fittings also are simple. Only the menuki, kozuka, and kogai have some motif on them. These three pieces can be unified. Usually fuchi and kashira are not made as a set. One unique point comparing to the mount before age is the handle shape. The middle of handle is narrow while the fuchi and kashira is thick. This handle shape is necessary to call it the Tensho style. This mount can be used for both life time and battle field. The tsuba Tosho style and Katchushi style can match for the Tensho. A katana mount of Hiro
