Sword Guard (Tsuba)

Dark brown, octagonal sword guard with scalloped edges. Two central cut-outs: one oval and one elongated teardrop. Gold flecks scattered across the surface, arranged to resemble tree branches with small yellow flowers or buds. A raised image of a bird, resembling a heron, on the lower right side, with a long beak and gray feathers. The bird stands on one leg, with the other leg tucked under its body.