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

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Round, dark brown metal object with a smooth edge, featuring a large central cutout in the shape of a sword. The cutout has a teardrop shape on the left and an oval shape on the right. The object showcases an intricate design with gold inlays depicting various scenes. A tree with gold flowers and dots is on the left. A figure in a white robe sits on a hill in the top-right corner. A figure in a white robe sits cross-legged on the bottom-right, accompanied by a teapot suspended over a fire and a small vase. The background of the object features an engraved landscape with rolling hills and plants. The background behind the object is plain and light gray. Title: Sword Guard (Tsuba), Artist unknown.