Sword Guard (Tsuba)

A circular metal object with a dark brown patina and gold inlays. The object has a central opening with a distinctive shape featuring a wide top that tapers to a point at the bottom, and two small side openings, one oval and one more rounded. The main body of the object is adorned with an intricate gold design depicting a creature resembling a dragon or fish with long, slender legs, scales, and feather-like protrusions. The creature's body is curved around the top half of the object, with its legs extending downwards. The gold inlays are used to create detailed patterns on the creature's body, including scales, feathers, and texture.