Mark with Japanese Mark: 柳陰軒　良近 "Ryuuinken | #458456

柳陰軒　良近 "Ryuuinken Yoshichika". This mark is from a tsuba and was made by Yoshichika, who worked as a sword engraver (soukenkinkou) in Echigo Province (present-day Niigata Prefecture) for the Oguri house. Soukenkinkou is the Japanese name for metalworkers who design accessories for bladed weapons. A tsuba is a sword guard designed to protect the hand from contact with the blade. It also balances the weight of the sword.