Six tsuba (sword guards) Momoyama (1573-1615) to Edo (1615-1868) period, late 16th to 19th century All of iron and roughly circular except for the fifth, the first with a bridge over a raging torrent; the second pierced with grasses; the third Kyo-sukashi, with stylised flying birds; the fourth pierced with leafy branches; the fifth Kyo-sukashi, with kutsuwa (horse bits); the last katchushi style, pierced with tomo-e, floral, and other motifs. The smallest: 7.2cm (2 13/16in); the largest: 8.5cm (3 5/16in). (6).