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					Originally Posted by  Copycat
					 
				 
				Hello Jim, 
 
The shape of the tsuba might represent the hexagram of I Ching and the holes the dots of Yin Yang. 
 
I Ching or Yeok Gyeong (역경) had great influence in Korean history. The symbols on the flags of Korea and Joseon signifies it's importance. 
 
Edit: 
The shape could indeed be the Eight Trigrams of I ching. 
			
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 Well noted Copycat!
That was what I was suggesting regarding the Eight Trigrams symbol, as seen on this Ba Gwa dadao with this symbol.As China was occupying Korea in years 1910-1945 this seems to carry out the connection, though this dao is of course far earlier, probably to that rebellion in 1814 (Rodell).