Human world
The large amount of decoration shows that the tsuba was made for export in the late 19th century. This was for a collector and not for use on a sword.
"Although the Way of the Samurai may have inspired and brought the sword guard into being, in certain respects, the sword guard was a main support of the Way of the Samurai, and in the beauty of sword guards it is possible to see an ultimate aspect of the Warrior's Way,..."
Soshin Kan (Sasano Masayuki Sensei) 1920 - 1993, teacher and connoisseur of tsuba and sword fittings.
The sword guard tsuba was originally made to stop a warriors hands slipping up onto his own blade. It also locks all the components of the sword together.
The tsuba is the most important decorative part of a sword.
During the Edo period (1600-1868) craftsmen made different carving and inlays. They also developed new styles and fashions.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), craftsmen developed unrivalled skills in metalwork. They made highly decorated sword fittings that were appealing to Western visitors. A warrior wore his sword with the tsuba placed at the centre of the body to display its design. Having an expensive and beautiful tsuba in the latest fashion showed wealth and good taste.