Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The tsuba features a rounded square shape with curved protrusions on each side and scalloped edges. The dark brown metal object has a distinctive design, with three holes cut out in an oval shape on the left, a long narrow teardrop shape in the center, and a teardrop with a rounded top on the right. The background of the tsuba showcases a design of what appears to be a flowering branch, with gold and silver inlays used to create details such as flowers and leaves. Small gold dots are visible on the right side of the branch. The tsuba has a dark brown color with visible wear and aging effects. It is set against a plain gray background. The artist and title is "Sword Guard (Tsuba)".