Hi Colin,
Thanks for commenting. I think this particular piece has very nice proportions overall - personally I like some of the shorter takouba best.
The knot pattern is indeed interesting and I've seen it turn up fairly frequently on scabbard fittings. Perhaps less so on guards. The reverse side is also a pretty typical pattern I've seen on quite a few.
Overall its a nice addition to the wall and the growing family of these I have.
Certainly not the oldest piece, but I think the aesthetics make up for that.
Cheers,
Iain