EXIF info:
Nikon Df
Lens: 24-70mm F/2.8G
Focal Length: 70mm
Aperture: F/9
Shutter Speed: 1/60s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 3200Japanese sword guard, tsuba
I wrote before about the Japanese sword guards and the creativity involved in making them. The tsuba in today's photo features a splendid blend of artistic craftsmanship and utilitarian work. The upper hole, shaped to suggest a sun behind a mountain, is not only an ornament but a useful feature, being made to tie a wrist leather strip used to prevent losing the sword in battle.