The Tsuba is the hand-guard of the japanese sword also called Katana. The Tsuba changed of utility over time from hand-guard to sword ornament. Indeed, during the Muromachi (1333-1573) and Momoyama period (1573-1603) they were more functional, made in solid metals and of very simple design, then came the Edo period (1603-1868) and his era of peace who made the Tsuba an ornament, which made their designs becoming increasingly aestheticized, but less practical for combat.
Tsubaweremadebyfamilyspecializedin its productionand was often transmittedfromgenerationto generation.Manyfamilieshadtheirsamuraicrestor"mon"inlaidorengravedonthem.