Sword Guard (<i>Tsuba</i>)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sword guard, or <i>Tsuba</i> by an unknown artist, is a circular metal object with a dark brown color and visible rust. The object has a rough edge and three holes in the center, one long and thin in the middle, and two kidney-shaped holes on either side. The right side features an embossed image of a creature with horns, and another embossed image appears to be underneath or beside it. Two small gold dots are on either side of the object, near the edge. The surface of the object shows signs of wear and tear.