The Tsuba - Parts of a Japanese KatanaThe Tsuba is the Katana's guard designed to protect the wielders hand during a sword fight as well as prevent the swordsman's hands from accidentally slipping forward onto the blade. The tsuba also contributed to the swords performance by being weighted properly to counter-balance the blade. During the Muromachi and Momoyama periods between 1333 and 1603 Japan's clans and families were in a nearly constant state of war. The tsuba at this time were normally simple in design and made from strong metals for the purpose of heavy warfare. The rise of the Edo period brought peace in Japan so tsuba makers could create more ornate decorative designs utilizing softer metals like gold, silver and brass in their designs. In this period whole dynasties of craftsmen would dedicate their lives to only making tsuba which would become collectors items and heirlooms passed down by generations. The samurai would normally have at least two sets of furniture for their blade. A decorative artistic themed set which they could dress their sword with in times of peace and a second set of heavy battle fittings for times of war.Tsuba PhotosThese are some examples photo's of many different Tsuba found on the Japanese katana in our store.An Evolved Interpretation of Samurai Sidearms See more of the Dragonfly Wakizashi w/Katana HandleSimple and clean tsuba on the Modern Wakizashi. See more of the Modern Wakizashi - BohiSimple and clean tsuba on the Dragon King Modern Katana. See more of the Modern Katana - BohiOur Winter Sun Katana mirrors the cold reality of the darkest days of the year on the tsuba (guard) and menuki. See more of the Winter Sun Samurai SwordThe blackened tsuba, fuchi, tsuka-ito and fuchi-kashira contrast the real white same (rayskin) handle and the black textured lacquered saya. See more of the Winter Sun Samurai SwordCast tsuba depicitng the giant centipede on the Ron Chen Mukade Ni Katana. See more of the Mukade Ni KatanaAccording to Japanese folklore the Mukade (giant centipede) is immortal and a sign of success in battle. See more of the Mukade Ni KatanaSword and fittings forged by Ron Chen, sole authorship. See more of the Mukade Ni KatanaTsuba features the billowing clouds and raimie (thunderclap) theme. See more of the Raimie XL KatanaThe tsuba design is made in iron with a copper inlaid dragonfly, which contrasts beautifully against the weathered looking iron. See more of the Hanwei Dragonfly KatanaTomoe symbols, representing strength and spiritual motion adorn the fuchi and kashira, while elegant crane motifs, symbolizing longevity and grace, decorate the tsuba and included kogatana (small utility knife). See more of the Tomoe and Crane KatanaSilver coloured tsuba with dragon relief. See more of the Water Dragon Katana