tsuba

/ˈtsubə/
noun
  1. The guard or handguard on a Japanese sword (katana), located between the blade and the handle to protect the hand.
    • The antique tsuba was intricately carved with a dragon design.
    • Collectors often value a tsuba for its artistic craftsmanship rather than its function.
    • He carefully removed the tsuba to clean the sword's blade.
Synonyms
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