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

Dark brown circular metal object with cutouts. Two cutouts are near center. One is approximately triangular with a wider base. The other is horizontally oval. The left edge of circular object is slightly irregular. A landscape scene with trees, birds and a gold signature block are on the left. A small illegible inscription above gold block. Gold and dark brown inlays depicting dried branches. Grayish background. Sword guard by Japanese artist.