Reference material

[Steffieeee]

Hi, would there be a good book/books for starter on schools of tsuba style / koshirae? I'm finding it bewildering trying to learn all the different styles and nuances of tsuba etc. I've never heard of most of them and then once I think I recognise a style seems to apply to other schools too... This is while trying to learn about blades too... ????. Any basic help appreciated.

 

Regards Stef

[Ken-Hawaii]

Stef, Grev's book on tsuba schools, "The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Tsuba collection," is an excellent reference. It's available at http://www.lulu.com/us/en/shop/greville-cooke/the-birmingham-museum-art-gallery-tsuba-collection-v2/ebook/product-23333008.html

 

There are also quite a number of useful (& free) references, right here at http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/17-articles/

[Grey Doffin]

Tosogu Classroom by Fukushi as translated by Markus Sesko for the JSS/US and NBTHK American and European branches.  This eventually will be a 5 volume set (2 are available now).  Contact Markus: markus.sesko at gmail.com

Also, Tsuba Kanshoki by Torigoye, the 1975 edition:

http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/books/b823-tsuba-kanshoki-torigoye-1975

Grey

[DirkO]

Tosogu no Kansho 1+2

Wakayama books

[Steffieeee]

Thanks very much guys

[Geraint]

Dear Stef.

 

Can I add to the suggestions with this, http://www.shibuiswords.com/      A great deal of information and some lovely examples.

 

All the best.

[1kinko]

For well organized, high quality, color images, of the various schools try the A.H Church Collection at the Asmolean Museum site at the Jameel Center (Oxford University).  Church had a predilection for floral, geometric and animal forms but he had a good eye.  The Asmolean staff are also very helpful if you want images of the ura side.

 

jameelcentre.asmolean.org

[Ken-Hawaii]

Not getting that link to work, Darrel. Went directly to asmolean.org, & typed "tsuba," but got a 

Your search yielded no results

message.

[Geraint]

Dear Ken.

 

Just a typo I think, it should be the Ashmolean not the Asmolean.

 

 

Try this one.  http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/collection/8/new

 

All the best.

[Steffieeee]

That's cool thanks very much. As an absolute beginner I know these are all great references, are there any that really are a guide as such.. ie this school did openwork, this school favoured shakudo overlay etc. For example I see higo style stuff, really simple chiselled soft metal copper and brass, and also higo style fine gold overlay on iron. Both totally different but both higo. Just for starters... It's very confusing

[Geraint]

Dear Steff.

 

This is a long term project you are on, another source of basic information is here, https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/tsuba/tsubaid.htm   Explore the other pages a little.  I'm pretty visual in my learning so I find that good auction catalogues are also useful, if you can get to London then do go to the viewings for some of the sales, that way you get a chance to handle pieces in number and of some quality.

 

Enjoy!

 

All the best.