Tsuba, Iron, This iron tsuba is shinmaru gata (a true circle) in shape, and is crafted with sukashi (openwork) with a positive design showing Omodaka plants and a bird. At the center is a nakago-ana, an opening through which the sword passes. Surrounding this is the seppadai, a flat oval area that has a migaki ji (smooth) surface finish. On either side are ryo-hitsu, openings for the kozuka (utility knife) and the kogai (skewer tool). At right is sashi ura, the side which faces the blade, whose opening takes the negative form of a moon. Opposite is the sashi omote side, which faces the sword hilt. Its tri-lobed opening is of the suhama type, and symbolically represents the coastline of Horai, the holy island of the Immortals. The rim of the tsuba is round, or maru-mimi., Japan, 17th century, metalwork, Decorative Arts, Tsuba