Edo Period Iron Tsuba

The Tsuba was used near the handle of a Japanese sword to guard the hand from an opponent's blade. During the Edo period, which followed the Sengoku Jidai Warring States period, the Tsuba became more ornamental and were signifiers of status. 

This example has a flower and leaf motif using both engraving and negative space in an artful combination. The tsuba has accession numbers from the Newark Museum, where it was part of their collection.