In a nutshell ⚡
What is the Katana Tsuba?
- Protects the hand against blows and slips.
- Balances the sword and improves handling.
- Once purely practical, now a symbol of status and decoration.
- Symbolic motifs and noble materials.
Or read on for detailed information 📚!
Tsuba, the guards of Japanese swords such as katanas, but also of wakizashi and tanto, serve to protect the warrior’s hand by preventing the enemy’s blade from sliding towards it. It is located above the Tsuka (handle).
Tsubas generally measure between 5 and 10 cm and come in a variety of styles, from the classic round (Marugata) to more complex styles such as the four-lobed (Moko gata) or rectangular (Aori gata). The first tsubas, which appeared in the 6th century, were rather rudimentary, often teardrop-shaped, and used simple metals such as copper or iron. Over the centuries, they evolved to become genuine works of art, used by samurai to personalize and adorn their weapons.
Purpose of the Tsuba
Originally, the Tsuba served a practical function: to protect the warrior’s hand when engaged in a duel, parrying opposing blows and preventing the owner’s hand from slipping over the blade and cutting itself. In addition, it contributes to the sword’s balance, ensuring better handling. It also plays a crucial role in balancing the katana, adjusting its point of gravity. This subtle balance is crucial for performance in kata, the codified movements of the art of swordsmanship. It also contributes to the sword’s ergonomics, making it easier to grip. During fights, samurai warriors could also use the Tsuba to perform maneuvers such as the Tsubazeriai, where two swords cross at the Tsuba to gain an advantage over the opponent. Although its primary function was defensive, the Tsuba quickly acquired an artistic dimension.
Used materials
Made from a wide variety of metals, from iron and bronze to red copper and refined alloys such as rogin, shibuichi (copper-silver) and shakudo (copper-gold), some are also adorned with gold or silver. The use of noble metals was often reserved for ornamental pieces in times of peace, such as the Edo or Meiji periods, when the Tsuba became a prestigious item.
There are two main materials: iron tsubas (tetsu) and soft metal tsubas (kinko). Tsubas made from kinko use a variety of alloys, each with its own distinct hue and properties:
- Shakudo: copper-gold alloy, deep midnight blue.
- Sentoku: copper, zinc and lead, brown.
- Shibuichi: copper-silver alloy, gray.
Tsuba features
The tsuba is made up of several elements with specific functions:
- Nagako-ana: triangular central opening for the sword blade.
- Kozuka-hitsu: small hole for inserting a kogatana, a miniature replica of the katana used by samurai for practical everyday tasks such as trimming their quill.
- Kogai-hitsu: opening for storing a kogai, a pair of spikes used as a multi-purpose tool such as chopsticks, hoof scrapers and hairpins.

History and origin of the Tsuba
The first Tsuba date back to the 5th century and had a simple shape, serving only to protect the samurai’s hand in battle and balance the blade. They were functional components, forged from durable materials such as iron, without excessive decoration, and sometimes adorned with a Mon (emblem) symbolizing the clan or lord. They had to withstand the constant warfare between rival clans and serve as a reliable tool for warriors.
Thus, the first tsubas had a minimalist, teardrop-shaped design. It wasn’t until the Muromachi and Edo periods that craftsmen began to refine these guards, notably with the advent of mokume-gane, a forging technique developed by sword smiths, or tosho, in the 17th century.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), the relative peace allowed craftsmen to concentrate more on the artistic aspect of Tsuba. They became more decorative, with inlays of precious metals and motifs illustrating legends and historical accounts. In addition to their warlike function, they were passed down from generation to generation as valuable heirlooms.
With the abolition of the samurai during the Meiji era (1868-1912), the public use of swords became forbidden. Swordsmiths then turned to exporting these decorative items, attracting the attention of Western collectors. Tsuba made during this period are often the most detailed and luxurious, even though they were no longer intended for martial use. Today, Tsuba are sometimes made of steel.
Tsuba Shapes
In addition to the diversity of materials, Tsuba often come in a variety of shapes.
Among the most common shapes are :
- Maru-gata: round.
- Aori gata: Rectangular.
- Kiku-gata: Chrysanthemum-shaped, imperial symbol.
- Kaku-mimi: square.
- Tate-maru-gata: oval or teardrop-shaped.
- Mokko-gata, Tate Ito gata: four-lobed border.
- Hashi-gaku: Hexagonal.
- Nade-kaku-gata: Rectangular with rounded edges.
- Kaku gata, Yuko Ito gata, Kaku-mimi-koniku: Square with rounded corners.
- Maru-mimi: Rounded.
- Namban-gata: Varied shapes with arabesque decorations.
- Ho-o-gata: Round or oval rim, often with phoenix decoration.
- Sukinokoshi: Raised rim.
- Hamidashi: Round with lateral indentations.
- Mukade-gata: Circular with ray pattern.
- Shingen-gata: Rounded edge with concentric decoration.
- Naga-maru-gata: Elongated oval.
- Dote-mimi: Tubular, hollow rim.

Tsuba motifs and symbolism
True works of art since the Edo period, tsubas were often decorated with exceptional meticulousness, reflecting not only the aesthetic taste of samurai and daïmios, but also their pride in their weapons, true symbols of their rank and status.
The engraved motifs on tsubas are deeply rooted in Japanese culture. They feature natural themes such as cherry blossoms, plum trees, dragons, clouds and sacred mountains. These engravings are not merely decorative: they also convey symbolic meanings. For example, a dragon motif symbolizes strength, while the cherry blossom recalls the ephemerality of life, a central concept in samurai philosophy.
The choice of motifs, often influenced by the Shinto religion or Zen Buddhism, shows that the tsuba is not just a functional item, but a true spiritual medium for the owner. These designs are sometimes combined with patina techniques, which add subtle contrasts and enhance the visual texture.
Some designs, such as those featuring the Lion Dog or chrysanthemum motifs, had specific meanings, often relating to protection or strength.
Others are engraved with damascene motifs or inlaid with precious metals such as silver or gold. One of the most famous techniques used is nunome-zōgan, in which thin layers of gold or silver are applied to the metal surface.
Craftsmen, known as tsubako, combined these patterns with techniques such as sukashi (cutting) or precious metal inlays to create unique works of art.
Of course, tsuba design often depended on the swordsmith and the era, with simpler models for warriors in the field and more ornate designs for nobles, high-ranking samurai or Edo period collectors. Sometimes the Fuchi (the ring that holds the Tsuka under the guard) and the Kashira are decorated in harmony with the Tsuba.









Different Schools of Tsuba
Numerous schools have influenced tsuba-making over the centuries, with each region and period developing its own style and techniques. Each school had its own renowned masters, such as Shimuzu Jingô and Kanô Matsuo, who left their mark on the art of tsuba.
Among the most famous schools, we find by period:
15th century (Muromachi period):
- Gotô: Founded by Gotô Yujô (1453-1512), famous for his Tsubas with raised dots.
16th century (Edo):
- Asakusa school: early Edo period
- Chôshû: Specialized in the manufacture of sturdy iron Tsubas.
- Ônin: Known for its applied relief decorations.
- Tachikanagoshi: Used soft metals with complex inlays.
- Tôcho: Famous for its finely cut iron Tsubas, often used for ceremonial swords.
- Gomoku-zôgan: Active towards the end of the 16th century, this school is renowned for its distinctive ornamentation.
- Kaneie (Fushimi): Renowned for its detailed works.
- Shingen: Active at the same time, characterized by innovative designs.
- Shôami: Marked by a wide variety of styles and techniques.
17th century (Edo):
- Heian-jô: One of the most important schools of this century, marked by richly detailed Tsubas.
- Hôan, Kaga and Sukashi: Specialized in finely cut iron Tsubas, a highly sought-after style.
- Higo: Founded by Hayashi Matashichi in Higo province, famous for its elegant Tsubas.
- Myochin: School renowned for its robust wrought-iron Tsubas.
18th century (Edo) :
- Kinaï: Specialized in iron cutting, its Tsubas are highly appreciated for their finesse.
- Ko-Kinko: Known for its works in soft metal with busy decorations.
19th century (Edo):
- Ôtuki (Tokyo): Active at the end of the Edo period.
- Tanaka
These schools illustrate the evolution of styles and techniques over the centuries, with each period bringing innovations in design, materials and symbolism to the creation of Tsubas. The meticulous swordsmanship and signatures of the craftsmen make it possible to trace the history of certain tsubas, making these objects highly collectible.
The evolution over the centuries of the Tsuba, from a simple iron disc to elaborately decorated creations, reflects Japanese history. Today, to own an antique Tsuba is to treat yourself to a fragment of history, bearing witness to the refinement of Japanese culture, the know-how of Tsubako and the history of the samurai.