A tsuba is usually a round or occasionally squarish guard at the end of the grip of bladed Japanese weapons, like the katana and its various declinations (tachi, wakizashi etc.), tanto, or naginata. They contribute to the control of the arm (the right index of the fighter typically touches the tsuba), to the balance of the sword, and to the protection of the hand.

During the Muromachi period (1333-1573) and the Momoyama period (1573-1603) tsuba were more for functionality than for decoration, being made of stronger metals and designs. However, as time and skills progressed they evolved into items of art and the ever popular status symbol. During the Edo period (1603-1868) there was peace in Japan so tsuba become more ornamental and made of less practical metals such as gold. Over the years, tsuba can be found in a variety of metals and alloys, including copper, brass, iron, zinc, etc.

Tsuba are usually finely decorated, and nowadays are collector's items. They became less of an item of defense than a portable work of art to be shown off.