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

The object is a dark brown, oval-shaped metal guard with a scalloped edge. It has three holes: one long, thin, vertical hole in the center and two oval-shaped holes on either side. The guard features various etchings and designs, including gold accents. The top of the guard has an etched design with three objects resembling bundles or tassels. The bottom has a circular etching with a landscape scene. The right side has an etched rectangle with a design. The background of the image is white. Sword Guard (Tsuba) by artist unknown.