Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Round, dark gray metal object with a smooth edge. The object has a central cutout in the shape of a vase or bottle with a narrow neck and a wide body. On either side of the central cutout are two irregularly shaped cutouts. Radiating outwards from the central cutout are 32 elongated oval-shaped cutouts. The cutouts are arranged in a symmetrical pattern, with 16 on each side of the central cutout. The object appears to be made of metal and has a weathered appearance. The background is light gray. This is a sword guard, or tsuba, created by an unknown artist.