Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Cleveland Museum of Art

The tsuba has a circular shape. The tsuba features a predominantly dark brown color with a slightly mottled appearance. Two central holes are present: one oval on the left and one elongated and pointed on the right. A figure of a man with gold accents on his shoulders and garment is on the right side of the tsuba. The figure wears a headband and has a weapon in his right hand. A creature or dog-like figure with gold details on its back is at the bottom. A bird-like figure with a long tail and a long object is at the top. There are inscriptions on the left.