Is it a tsuba?

[Spartancrest]

Just a general enquiry - what is the definition of a tsuba?

Would this be called a tsuba?  Taisho era army sword guard [not very attractive] 

[SalaMarcos]

If the guard can cover and, sorry to repeat, guard your hand, then it's a tsuba. 

[Geraint]

Dear Dale.

 

I'm afraid I would go the other way on this from Marcos.  European style mounting so calling it a guard would be appropriate, returning to tsuba with the advent of Japanese style mounting of the Shin and Kai gunto.

 

All the best.

[Spartancrest]

Geraint - I would agree it's a cultural cringe away from the traditional, for a relative short time, before embracing once again the style of the past.

A niche period of over compensating for a perceived [and unfounded] inferiority of Japanese tradition. Interesting to note that the Western perception of the Japanese style at the same time, was that of awe, of native skill.

 

[Alban L]

9 hours ago, Geraint said:

Dear Dale.

 

I'm afraid I would go the other way on this from Marcos.  European style mounting so calling it a guard would be appropriate, returning to tsuba with the advent of Japanese style mounting of the Shin and Kai gunto.

 

All the best.

 

I would say the same. As well as I would not call a steel scabbard of a european style parade sword a "saya".