Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Dark gray metal object with rounded square shape. Object has wavy edge. Two oval cutouts in center, one horizontal and larger on left, one vertical and narrow on right. Cutouts are symmetrical about vertical axis. Bird in profile, head facing down, on lower right. Bird has long neck, long legs, and curved beak. Bird standing on ground with one leg. Ground has curved lines and gold dots. Three gold flowers or shells, one on left, two on right. Japanese characters on right side of vertical cutout.