Tsuba (sword guard) decorated with a three-clawed dragon in clouds

This sword guard is decorated in “round carving” marubori, “high relief carving” takabori and gold foil mekki. The dragon is a traditional symbol of magic powers and strength and the only mythological animal of the Asian zodiac. Its likeness combines various animals endowed with strength and perseverance (the dragon has a huge head like a buffalo, horns like a deer and the barbels of a carp or catfish). The Asian dragon has no wings; it flies with the help of a magic pearl.