Japan Japanese Tanto Tsuba 1

The Japanese Tanto Tsuba is a handguard traditionally used on the tanto, a short-bladed Japanese dagger. Crafted primarily from iron or various alloys, the tsuba serves to protect the hand and balance the blade during use. Typically circular or oval in shape, tanto tsuba display a range of decorative techniques, including openwork (sukashi), carvings, and inlays of materials such as gold, silver, or copper. The designs often reflect motifs from nature, folklore, or geometric patterns, indicative of the period and school of manufacture. In samurai culture, the tsuba not only provided functional value but also offered an opportunity for artistic expression and personal identification. Tsuba from the Edo period (1603–1868) are particularly noted for their detailed craftsmanship. These fittings are valued components in military antiques collections, illustrating the intersection of utility and artistry in Japanese armament traditions. This item is intended for collectors and researchers of military history and Japanese martial artifacts.