An antique Japanese patinated bronze tsuba or samurai sword guard. The tsuba is decorated with an engraved foliage ornament. Probably marked with Calligraphy, on the backside. Circa: late 18th century. Japanese sword mountings are the various housings and associated fittings tosogu that hold the blade of a Japanese sword when it is being worn or stored. Koshirae refers to the ornate mountings of a Japanese sword e.g. katana used when the sword blade is being worn by its owner, whereas the shirasaya is a plain undecorated wooden mounting composed of a saya and tsuka that the sword blade is stored in when not being used. Antique Asian and Oriental Bronze Weapons Guards, Accessories and Collectibles.