Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>) With <i>Shishi</i> Lion and Peonies Motif (獅子牡丹図鐔)

Circular bronze object with a bronze-colored patina. Two oblong holes in the center, side by side, resembling a stylized keyhole. A third, wavy hole to the right. A relief design on the bottom right depicts a creature resembling a lion or mythical creature with a curled tail. The creature appears to be moving to the left. On the bottom left, relief design of two large flowers with many petals and several leaves on stems. The background has swirling designs and some Japanese characters. The object appears to be a tsuba, a type of Japanese sword guard.