Decoration On Saya, What Is It?

[Gasam]

Heyas,

 

First off sorry for the tiny picture, cannot get better from the internet im afraid.

 

But it is good enough that someone who knows can tell: what is it that is depicted on the saya?

 

It must be a Japanese item, a thing,  of some kind.

 

I thought it must be a kite at first, but it does not make sense the more I look at it...

 

Anyone have a clue?

 

Thanks as always :-)

 

 

[jason_mazzy]

kite?

[Stephen]

I think your first look is right

[Gasam]

Hi again,

 

Huh, maybe it is indeed :-)

 

As I recall it is also the motif on the fuchi.  Perhaps that is why I thought it must be something distinctively more samurai-like, although as a wakizashi it could have been a toy merchants sword perhaps.

 

Ah well, kite it is!