Kinko tsuba reading list

[Curgan]

I remember this topic was discussed a few months ago, but can't find the thread...

 

Anyway, I am trying to elaborate on kinko tsuba and I am trying to find books that explain "what, where and why". I 'd like especially a book with illustrated examples. My goal is to get a general idea of the various kinko schools, themes and to spot what makes a good kinko tsuba and understand why.

For iron sukashi tsuba Sasano and Kremer are on my buying list, but for other metal tsuba I am open to ideas as well.

Any suggestions on books and maybe on sellers? Some books are hard to find and I 'd preffer to buy from a NMB member even if the price isn't the cheapest around...

[ububob]

The second Sasano book is very good. The photography is excellent. Jim Gilbert's tsuba site contains an excellent bibliography for tsuba. Craig Harris is one of NMB's own and is a book dealer specializing in our area of interest. He does business as Bridge of Dreams.

[Curgan]

Any opinions on "Tosogu no Kigen" by Sasano Masayuki regarding its educational value regarding tsuba appreciation?

[ububob]

A work worth having in your library.

[Aloof Pegasus]

Craig Harris also has some great tachikanagushi tsuba on consignment at Yamabushi Antiques. I bought 2 for mounting purposes and after getting them I lost interest in other types of tsuba.

[ububob]

I can understand that as I feel much the same about Akasaka. However I confess to an ocassional longing glance at Owari and Ko-Tosho (something about the age)

Your beginning journey into tachi kanagushi would be a good discussion thread and might turn up some new references for all of us.

[Curgan]

In either case thanks to your advice I bought the book! Thanks!

[Aloof Pegasus]

I actually started with the articles by Boris Markhasian on the Yamabushi website including the one on Early Soft Metal Fittings. It's difficult to find good tachikanagushi tsuba in Japan because unlike other countries they're quite valued here.

I think an interesting point made by Jim Gilbert on this subject is that we are able to get an idea about how other tsuba would have looked before the intervening centuries of corrosion by studying soft metal pieces.