Katana tsuba

The Tsuba of the Katana. Katana tsuba are the guards of Japanese swords katanas, wakizashi, tantos. Their goal is to prevent the opponent's blade from slipping on the saber and cutting off the hand.

Japanese sword mountings are the various housings and associated fittings tosogu [1] that hold the blade of a Japanese sword when it is being worn or stored. They were externally featureless save for the needed mekugi-ana [3] to secure the nakago tang , though sometimes sayagaki blade information was also present. The need for specialized storage is because prolonged koshirae mounting harmed the blade, owing to factors such as the lacquered wood retaining moisture and encouraging corrosion. Such mountings are not intended for actual combat, as the lack of a tsuba guard and proper handle wrappings were deleterious; as such they would likely never make their way onto a battlefield. However, there have been loosely similar "hidden" mountings, such as the shikomizue. Also, many blades dating back to earlier Japanese history are today sold in such a format, along with modern-day reproductions; while most are purely decorative replicas, a few have functional blades. More commonly "tsukuru" is used in its place with both words meaning to "make, create, manufacture.

Katana tsuba

Tsuba is a kind of Japanese sword mounting. It was initially equipped with a Japanese sword for practical reasons. However, Tsuba attached importance to its decorativeness. It had been developed as an essential sword outfit that combines utility and beauty since the Edo period. Western swords also have guards, but especially since modern times, many of them are connected with handles; therefore, they look different, compared to Japanese handguards, Tsuba. People expected that Tsuba fulfills two roles: practicality to attack enemies and to protect users. In each area, Tsuba had been enhanced its artistry through the efforts and ingenuity of numerous Tsuba artisans. You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item. Thank you for visiting our website. This Tsuba was sold as each antique Japanese Tsuba is one of a kind. However, we have various kinds of antique Japanese Tsubas available. Our customer service will help you find your ideal Tsuba you will cherish for generations. Please feel free to contact us or check the list of Tsubas. We will be more than happy to help you.

Tuttle, P. Unfortunately, the popularity of their style resulted in low-quality imitations, which gave the school a bad reputation.

Tsuba artisans soon produced ornamental styles, which became family heirlooms. Most of these designs reflect the mythology, legends, customs, religion, and artistic side of Japan. Knowing the history and distinctive characteristics of these sword guards may inspire you to build your collection or personalize your Japanese sword for training. Without it, the sword loses much of its efficiency. A Japanese tsuba must be crafted from high-quality materials with good design and craftsmanship. Originally, tsuba makers created handguards by welding together steels of different hardness , then twisting and deforming them in various ways.

Japanese sword mountings are the various housings and associated fittings tosogu [1] that hold the blade of a Japanese sword when it is being worn or stored. They were externally featureless save for the needed mekugi-ana [3] to secure the nakago tang , though sometimes sayagaki blade information was also present. The need for specialized storage is because prolonged koshirae mounting harmed the blade, owing to factors such as the lacquered wood retaining moisture and encouraging corrosion. Such mountings are not intended for actual combat, as the lack of a tsuba guard and proper handle wrappings were deleterious; as such they would likely never make their way onto a battlefield. However, there have been loosely similar "hidden" mountings, such as the shikomizue. Also, many blades dating back to earlier Japanese history are today sold in such a format, along with modern-day reproductions; while most are purely decorative replicas, a few have functional blades.

Katana tsuba

When you look at a katana , you'll see a circular or triangular plate right where the handle meets the blade. This circular or triangular piece is called the tsuba. The tsuba is the handguard for the katana. It protects the wielder's hands from slipping onto the blade and harming themselves. It is therefore a crucial component of the sword. Tsuba, however, also evolved into an ornament over time. You can see tsubas with intricate designs made from precious metals like gold.

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By the Heian period from to , the classic hollyhock-shaped tsuba called aoi-gata emerged. You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item. The sageo cord that secures the saya of the sword to the obi belt goes through a hole in the kurikata. The washer or spacer called seppa covers the area, and placed on each side of the sword guard to ensure a tight fit. An account is not required to place an order. The tsuba was mostly meant to be used to prevent the hand from sliding onto the blade during thrusts as opposed to protecting from an opponent's blade. We will be more than happy to help you. Article Talk. Copy the image. The different forms of tsubas. The habaki will cause normal wear and tear inside the scabbard, and either a shim or a total replacement of the scabbard may be needed to remedy the issue as it will become too loose over time. Dadao Miaodao. It was useful for self-defense indoors where the long katana and intermediate wakizashi were inconvenient. Tuttle, P.

Photo Credit: A samurai and his horse bound up the bank of a river to come to grips with the enemy. Precious sword in hand, the tsuba, or hand guard, is clearly visible.

Fuchigashira top and tsuba bottom made by Ishiguro Masayoshi. During the Muromachi and Momoyama periods between and Japan's clans and families were in a nearly constant state of war. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. Early Japanese tsuba designs were relatively plain and only became more decorative later. Macuahuitl Macana. In a duel, two participants may lock their katana together at the point of the tsuba and push, trying to gain a better position from which to strike the other down. However, some designs are the least functional and purely decorative. Necessary Necessary. Thank you for visiting our website. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Without it, the sword loses much of its efficiency. At the end of the 17th century, Soyo I founded the Yokoya School. These cookies do not store any personal information. Juliana has been writing for nearly thirty years and concentrates on Tudor and Medieval history.