Crossguard tsuba, Nakai Tomotsune II; signed. Early 18th century Edo period, 1603–1868. Japan, Nagato province, Hagi. Iron tsuba, round; diameter 8.3 cm, thickness 0.4 cm. Oval seppa-dai; hitsu- and kogai of identical shape. Openwork positive openwork decoration depicting swallows among willow branches; small gold spots nunome technique on the branches. Rectangular edge kaku mimi., A circular metal object with an openwork design rests against a light gray background; the object has a dark brown and rust-colored patina with areas of lighter brown and black, showing a weathered texture and

1603-1868, areas, black, branches, circular metal object, color, creating, crossguard tsuba, curving, dark brown, darker, depicting, design features, diameter 8.3 cm, early 18th century edo period, elongated, hagi, hitsu, identical shape, interlaced elements, iron tsuba, japan, kogai, light gray background, lighter brown, nagato province, nakai tomotsune ii, nunome, object, openings surrounded, openwork design rests, openwork positive openwork decoration, oval seppa-dai, patterned lattice, raised central section, rectangular edge kaku mimi, rim, round, rounded, rust-colored patina, several, showing, signed, slight metallic sheen, small gold spots, swallows, technique, thickness 0.4 cm, weathered texture, willow branches,