(This is from a koto blade in Shin-Gunto mounts. The fuchi/kabuto-gane and menuki are standard. The ito was applied
in a slightly more complex fashion than normal, combining tsumami and menpumaki styles. Also, the omote knot is
unusual for this style of mounts, and the tassel is attached to the kabuto-gane with a cord. At some point, the tsuka lost
the majority of its same', and the exposed wood was covered with a flat olive drab paint.)


(Above, I have removed the ito and the remnants of same'; the wood core was intact.)



(Then, I applied a "full" wrap of new same' and prepared the tsuka for the new ito.)

(Following the original design, I rewrapped the tsuka with new brown silk ito and reattached the tassel.)