Sword Guard (Tsuba)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sword guard has a circular shape. The sword guard is primarily dark gray to black in color with a weathered appearance. There are two oval-shaped cutouts in the center. The top cutout is horizontal and wider; the bottom cutout is vertical and narrower. The top of the sword guard features swirling wave designs. A yellow-outlined square shape is near the top. Vertical Japanese characters are etched on the right side of the cutouts. A small gray dog-like creature with a curled tail and gold eyes is on the bottom-left. The right side depicts a brown creature with horns, gold accents, and a large mouth with sharp teeth, appearing to fall or be blown to the left. The creature wears a loincloth and has a circular object and other items attached. The background of the image around the sword guard is plain light gray. The title of the sword guard is "Sword Guard (Tsuba)".