Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) Depicting Herons (鷺図鐔)

Dark brown sword guard, slightly oval. Two oblong openings on either side of a triangular opening. A flying heron in top left corner. A standing heron on right side, surrounded by water, reeds and plants. Gold inlays on herons' feet and throughout scene. Water depicted with swirling lines and gold dots. Background is plain white.