What tsuba styles are available, and how do they affect display value?
Updated Mar 2026
The katana in this collection feature tsuba in a range of classical Japanese motifs: dragons, chrysanthemums, lotus blossoms, gold clouds, and peacock feather designs, finished in gold, matte black, or contrasting two-tone treatments. The tsuba is the handguard positioned between the blade and the handle, and it is one of the most visually prominent elements of a mounted katana. From a display perspective, the tsuba style sets the overall aesthetic character of the piece. A gold dragon tsuba paired with a red same-gawa handle and black lacquer saya creates a bold, formal presentation, while a chrysanthemum or lotus tsuba with natural hardwood saya projects a more understated, classical sensibility. Many collectors choose tsuba motifs that carry personal symbolic meaning, as dragon and floral motifs each carry distinct cultural associations in Japanese artistic tradition.