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Writer's pictureCabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
23 hours ago3 min read

Japanese tsubas, between war and art

Tsubas are the guards on Japanese swords. These small metal plates between the blade and hilt of a katana or wakizashi embody a fascinating balance between military utility, artistic prowess and cultural symbolism. Dive into the captivating world of these unique pieces, silent witnesses to a Japan steeped in tradition and refinement.

Tsuba mokko gata, Japan, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon Auction House, sold for €2,100

In the samurai era, the role of tsubas was above all practical. As sword guards, they offered essential protection for the fighter's hands. During duels or battles, the enemy's blade could slide along the katana's edge; the tsuba prevented such an impact from injuring the hand. It also prevented the wearer's hand from accidentally slipping towards the sharp blade, particularly during rapid cutting movements.


The first tsubas, simple and uncluttered, were mainly forged in iron or bronze, emphasizing their sturdiness and lightness. Their shape was functional, often circular or oval, with strategic openings to lighten their weight without compromising their solidity. But even in these rudimentary creations, we can already observe an aesthetic concern: simple motifs or elaborate textures heralded the beginnings of refined art.


Tsuba, bronze, Japan, 13th century, at the MET in New York

From the Muromachi period (1336-1573) onwards, tsuba went beyond its simple utilitarian function to become an artistic medium. Each piece began to reflect not only the personality of its owner, but also the virtuosity of the craftsman who created it. This evolution culminated during the Edo period (1603-1868), a period of relative peace when samurai, less engaged in battle, placed greater emphasis on the appearance and symbolism of their weapons.


The motifs adorning tsubas are exceptionally rich. They include landscapes, cherry blossoms evoking the fragility of life, dragons symbolizing strength and protection, and scenes from classical Japanese legends and epics. Some tsubas incorporate religious symbols, such as Buddhist figures or Shinto motifs, testifying to their owner's spirituality.


Tsuba hokei-gata in sentoku, Japan, Edo period, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €1,500

Every detail counts: the finesse of the engraving, the inlays of gold, silver or copper (zogan technique) and the sculpted reliefs testify to the extraordinary mastery of the craftsmen. These craftsmen, grouped into schools such as Goto, Shoami or Higo, compete in ingenuity to produce unique and recognizable works.


Making a tsuba is a demanding process, requiring know-how handed down from generation to generation. The work often begins with the choice of material: iron, bronze, brass or precious alloys. The craftsman then designs the motif, before engraving, sculpting or inlaying precious metals.


Certain finishing techniques, such as katakiri-bori (oblique-cut engraving) or nunome-zogan (texture inlay), give tsubas a remarkable depth and relief effect. These processes require extreme precision, with every chisel stroke measured to avoid irreparable error.



Set of eighteen iron and bronze tsubas, Japan, 18th-19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for the Millon auction house, sold for €800.


Beyond the technique, each tsuba bears a signature, that of its creator. These signatures, discreetly engraved, make it possible today to trace the history of these pieces and identify the master smiths, whose names continue to resonate in the art world.


For the samurai, the tsuba was much more than protection. It was a symbol of status and personality. A samurai would often choose a tsuba that reflected his values, tastes or beliefs. Thus, a tiger motif might signal a courageous personality, while a more sober design might reflect a philosophy of life geared towards humility.


With the decline of the samurai class at the end of the Edo period, tsuba gradually lost its military function. However, it gained in prestige as an art object, prized by collectors and lovers of Japanese culture.



Iké-da-Tsikou-go-no-Kami (Japanese ambassador in Paris), Phillippe Potteau, 1864, preserved at the musée du quai Branly in Paris.


Today, tsubas continue to be celebrated as jewels of Japanese heritage. Museums around the world exhibit these pieces in Asian art collections, highlighting their historical and artistic value. Auctions see antique tsubas, particularly those signed by famous masters, fetch impressive sums, reinforcing their status as collector's items.


With this in mind, institutions such as Gauchet Art Asiatique offer specialized appraisal services. Our team of experts is dedicated to the appraisal and authentication of these precious pieces, offering collectors a better understanding of the value and artistic richness of the tsubas they own.



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