guard on sword, polearms, etc.(tsuba)
Koshirae is a set of decorative metal fittings attached to a sword’s armor. It is a set of decorative metal fittings attached to the sword (the general term for the exterior of a Japanese sword, such as the scabbard and hilt), and is one of the “sword accessories”. It serves to adjust the center of gravity of the sword. The tsuba protects the hand that grips the hilt when the sword is attacked. The tsubasa also prevents the hand holding the hilt from slipping into the body of the sword during an attack from the attacker. The craftsman’s skill is also reflected in the tsubas themselves, making them highly valuable as art crafts.
