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

The object is a circular sword guard made of dark metal. The guard has a scalloped edge. The design in the center features a bird perched on a branch with leaves and flowers on the left and right sides. The bird faces left. The branch on the left has four flowers with four heart-shaped petals each. A small circular hole is visible where the branch meets the bird's tail. The right side has leaves with rounded tips and small circular protrusions. A long, narrow slit runs vertically down the center. The background of the image is a plain light gray color. The title of the piece is Sword Guard (Tsuba).