Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Round metal object with a central oval hole. The object is a sword guard, known as a tsuba, made by an unknown artist. The object has a dark brown color with visible signs of aging and wear. The circular shape has a raised edge. The center has an oval shaped void. The object is decorated with a design of a branch with flowers and leaves cut out from the metal. The background of the image is a plain light gray color. The tsuba appears to be made of metal, likely steel or iron. The metal has a textured surface. There are two small metal rivets on either side of the oval hole. The branch design extends outwards from the center in a symmetrical pattern. The flowers have five petals each. The leaves are teardrop-shaped. The overall design is intricate and symmetrical. The object is likely of Japanese origin.