Tosogu: fittings, i.e.: tsuba,
and kodogu which is/are: menuki, fuchi/kashira, kozuka, and kogai.
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 JAPANESE
SWORD GUARDS,
Some Tsuba in the Collection of Sir Arthur H. Church
(Church et al, 1970 Japanese reprint of the original 1914 private
printing)
Cited in the Ashmolean Museum's survey of Japanese art (Japanese
Painting, Oxford: 2003) as one of "the best" nineteenth century collections
of tsuba, Sir Arthur Church's privately published work was
developed with the assistance of Henri Joly. The 272 examples
shown are categorized into forty sections and represent top level works
of their respective schools. The importance of this collection was
appreciated in Japan as demonstrated by this 1970 republication.
This edition has the added benefit of the original English content
together with Japanese translation.
168 pages, 13 x 10½" hardcover with slipcase $235 |
KOZUKA
100 - The Claude Thuault Collection
Ogasawara/Thuault (1993)
Presented in both English and Japanese is
the presentation of a western collection featuring detailed photography
and descriptions of 100 kozuka. The study is
followed by an 18-page commentary on the collection in both English and
Japanese, and a three page glossary of terms not identified within with
text of descriptions.
268 pages, 6 x 8½" hardcover $70.00 |
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HAYNES AUCTION CATALOGS, Vols. 1
- 10
Robert Hayes et al
What the Compton auction catalogs are
for swords, Haynes' catalogs spanning 1981-84 are for the
field of tosogu...arguably more so. Presented
are a broad range of fittings with many significant examples
throughout the series, all with supporting documentation and
commentary making for excellent reference. An added
value to the series was the translation of Torigoye's
Tsuba Geijutso Ko (1960).
This complete set is a tremendous opportunity for
serious students of tosogu.
10 soft cover volumes $695.00
Some individual copies also available:
HIGHLY IMPORTANT
JAPANESE SWORDS AND KODOGU
Auction
Catalog #1
(13-15 November 1981, San Francicso)
True to its
name, it includes 372 lots, all pictured: tsuba, kodogu, and swords; each with
commentary. Also included is a preface and introduction by Dr. Torigoye and
glossary. This sale included kokuho, juyo, and koshu properties from great
collections. With realized prices list included.
Unpaginated, 11 x 9" soft cover $125.00
IMPORTANT JAPANESE IROGANE, KO-TSUBA, MENUKI, WOODBLOCK
PRINTS AND NETSUKE
Auction Catalog
#3
(28
November 1982, San Francisco)
Includes 355 lots noted for coverage of tosogu (197), this
is the third in what would be a ten volume series of
catalogs. Includes part three of the series' translation of
Tsuba Geijutsu Ko (Torigoye, 1960), and indexes of signed
works.
93 pages, 8 x 10" soft cover $75.00 |
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LETHAL ELEGANCE:
The Art of Samurai Sword Fittings
Joe Earle (2004)
From MFA,
"The Japanese sword is famously both the symbol and instrument of
Japanese military prowess. Less known, at least in the West, is its role
as a fashion accessory or status symbol. And more than the weapon
itself, it was the sword's metal fittings-from the hand guard to the
small decorative plates on the hilt-that reflected the complexities of
samurai life. Some fittings were meant to convey the honor and
self-control expected of a samurai while on official duty, while other,
more flamboyant ones reflected his leisure-time persona as "man about
town". Later, when the wearing of the swords spread beyond the samurai
class, both the decorative function of the fittings and the variety of
their designs sharply increased, leading to some of the most
sophisticated and accomplished metalwork ever created."
256 pages, 8½ x 9¼" hardcover $50.00 |
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JAPANESE SWORD-FITTINGS & METAL WORK IN THE LUNDGREN COLLECTION
(1992)
A Japanese-language text presenting an important collection started
in the 1930s by Stokholm antiques-dealer C.H.Lundgren. The
collection as presented evolved through two generations to include
the wide array of sword funiture and associated metal crafts shown
here in both color and b&w photographic plates. English-language
forward with Japanese text and index. Also included is a second
volume - a full English translation: descriptions of the 377 items
presented, and an overview of the collection prepared by Ogasawara
Nobuo of the Tokyo National Museum and Kobayashi Terumasa of the
Sword Museum.
159 pages, 8¾ x 10¼" hardcover, plus separate 60 page English
translation $195.00 |
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STUDIES IN KYO GOTO
Kasahara Koju, Akimoto Shigeo
(1988)
A unique text for presenting written survey
in both English and Japanese
of the waki-Goto schools, the fifteen branch families of
the mainline Goto masters.
Tosogu
are shown full size with
enlarged, detail photographs of inscriptions.
This English translation also
extends to the captions and descriptions accompanying each
plate.
334
Pages, 7¼ x 10½" hardcover with slipcase $225.00
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SUKASHI TSUBA IN EUROPEAN
COLLECTIONS
Eckhard Kremers (1994)
Starting with a dedication to Masayuki Sasano, Kremers text follows a format similar to
that of his teacher's. General guidelines for judging iron and overall quality are
presented in the introduction while greater detail is offered throughout the text in
reference to the specific pieces. Full size b&w photos; glossary; all text in
both English and German.
189 pages, 9¼ x 11½" hardcover $150.00 |
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JAPANESE SWORD
FITTINGS:
The Naunton Collection
H.L.Joly (r.1973)
This reprint of the original 1912 printing makes
available a title first limited to 300 editions. The immense turn-of-the-century
collection of G.H.Naunton, 1450 pieces, cataloged and presented by Joly.
Tsuba
and all forms of kodogu are shown in b&w plates accompanied by documentation.
Historical notes of schools and methods are also given. Both the collection and author are
well respected.
317 pages, 10¼ x 12½" hardcover
$250.00 |
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ARMS AND ARMOR OF ANCIENT JAPAN:
A Historical Survey
Southern California Token Kai (1964)
Catalog of the exhibition held in Los Angeles, 19 February through 22 March 1964.
The exhibit presents Japanese swords spanning the very early Kofun Bunka
period through
the Shin-Shinto periods using 62 photographed examples. The second half of the
catalog is introduced by Robert Haynes and is devoted to tsuba. 119 Examples are
shown, each accompanied by its description. An illustrated glossary of sword
nomenclature and bibliography are also included.
68 pages, 8½
x11" spiral bound $60.00 |
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TSUBA: The Japanese Sword guards
beauty and charming Japanese 19th century metal work
Masayuki Murata (2006)
Presents Bakumatsu and Meiji-era tsuba from the collection of the
Kiyomizu San'nanzaka Museum in Kyoto Japan. "Many decorative
styes (yoshiki) and techniques were devised..[during this]
pinacle of sword fittings...[when] wealthy merchants could outdo
daimyo in financial power [and] so ordered ornate items
including up-market materials...from metalworkers." Japanese-language with English
table of contents, forward, and tsuba-ko noted for each piece
in roman-ji. Vivid, full-color
photography on high quality stock
96 pages, 8¾ x 11½"
soft cover w/dust jacket $65.00 |
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EARLY JAPANESE SWORD GUARDS: Sukashi Tsuba
SASANO Masayuki (1972)
A landmark text by a noted Japanese authority on tsuba.
Starting with 26 pages considering the historical development of
tsuba and the major schools, Sasano presents a solid foundation
for the selected examples that follow. 216 Examples are shown;
one example per page supported by assessments which include the
author's insight on aesthetic qualities - an important consideration
for understanding artistic works. Care and preservation are also
addressed. Full size b&w photos; glossary.
284 pages, 7½ x 10½" hardcover $220.00 |
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TOSOGU NO KIGEN
SASANO Masayuki (1976)
Published between Sasano's two essential texts on sukashi tsuba, both
translated to English (1972, and
1994), came another important text from this
scholar. Here the focus is the changing form of uchigatana tsuba, kozuka,
and kogai while demonstrating that the earliest forms can be traced back far
earlier than previously held. Japanese-language; though also accessible though
English captions with extensive descriptions and details. A unique work by an
equally unique and progressive scholar. Limited printing of 2000 individually numbered
copies.
157 pages, 7¼ x 10¼" hardcover with slipcase
$275.00 |
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TOSOGU NO KANSHO
SASANO Masayuki
(1982)
Surveying both iron and soft metal tosogu and drawing on
exceptional examples from private collections, this publication of the Shoyu Kai
study group is fully captioned in English and makes evident the broad
range of Sasano's expertise. Detailed photography on gloss
stock for optimal clarity.
82 pages, 8½ x 12" hardcover $150.00 |
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JAPANESE SWORDGUARDS:
MASTERPIECES FROM THE SASANO COLLECTION
SASANO Masayuki (1994)
297 Outstanding examples of sukashi tsuba are presented here in the final volume
to come from noted expert Masayuki Sasano. Like his important
1972 reference, this volume is set up in gallery format - one
tsuba per page plus commentary. A historical preface is supported by a unique
demonstration in chart form which uses classic examples to assist the reader
in placing tsuba
to a given period. An essential text for students of iron sukashi tsuba.
341 pages, 8½ x 12" hardcover $250.00 |
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JAPANESE
SWORD GUARDS
J.D.Hamilton (1975)
A catalog detailing the tsuba collection of the Peabody Museum (MA). Presents
an excellent range of both soft metal and iron examples in 43 full-page plates.
Includes six plates in color. Most plates contain four or more pieces.
Supporting text details each piece with commentary on design, school attribution, and
period made.
106 pages, 8½
x11½" soft
cover $65.00 |
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GOTO-KE JUSHICHIDAI
NO TOSOGU,
Sword Fittings of the Goto Family, 1440-1879
Sano Art Museum et al (1994)
214 Exhibits spanning the works of seventeen generations are presented in this
important exhibit catalog. Many items shown with the addition of oversized views of
fine details and signatures. Japanese-language, with seven page English index and
commentary on each piece.
139 pages, 9 x 11½" soft cover
$155.00 |
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TOSOGU GOKECHO MEIHIN SHUSEI
FUKUSHI Shigeo (2001)
This over-sized volume presents the works of the
seventeen generations of Goto artists in what can only be
described as the subject's definitive reference.
Beginning with four fold-out plates of exceptional
koshirae spanning over 40 inches in width, this spectacular
text continues with finest examples of each of school's
seventeen masters. As expected, oversized views of
craftsmanship details and signatures are present throughout.
Index and descriptions in both Japanese and English.
The large format provides unparalleled representation. In
all, an exceptional reference for serious students of Goto work. Limited printing of
200
individually numbered copies.
352 pages, 10¼ x 14½" hardcover
with slipcase $575.00 |
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THE HARTMAN COLLECTION OF JAPANESE METALWORK
Christies Auction Catalog (30 June, 1 July
1976, London)
This auction catalog is unique for two reasons: first, it was
derived from many of the great early 20th Century collections such
as Hawkshaw, Garbutt, Naunton, and Joly, and secondly, as all
of the lots are shown. Includes over 630 lots of fittings,
primarily tsuba. In general, soft metal pieces are shown in
color, while most iron are shown in b&w.
Text is in English, each
piece supplement by brief Japanese descriptions; English glossary
and index of artists. With realized price list included.
163 pages, 9½ x 12¼" hardcover $235.00 |
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JAPANESE SWORD-MOUNTS
In the Collection of the Field Museum
H.E.Gunsaulus (1923)
This is the very
early catalog of the Field Museum of
Natural History's collections of sword fittings. The
collection's nucleus was formed by Edward Greey in the late 19th Century and represents
the culmination of two lifetime's study. While staying in Japan Greey received top
level assistance in assembling his collection by appointment of the Emperor.
Extensive documentation of both artists and schools precedes 61 b&w plates. Each
plate has three or more examples. A truly important and early reference of an
outstanding collection.
256 pages, 6½ x 9½"
worn soft cover with loose signatures $230.00 |
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TOSOGU: Treasure of the Samurai
Fine Japanese Sword Fittings from The
Muromachi to The Meiji Period
Graham Gemmell (1991)
An extraordinary catalogs of sword fittings. Includes
historical material on principle schools in addition to
extensive documentation for each piece. Over 70 full-color
plates; indexed by school, glossary.
151 pages, 8½ x12" hardcover $140.00 |
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THE HENRY D. ROSIN COLLECTION
OF JAPANESE SWORD FITTINGS
Patrick Syz (1993)
Catalogs this impressive collection of sword fitting spanning early Kofun Bunka period
(300-645 CE) through Edo periods. The introduction notes the collection as
"concentrating on early and unusual pieces". The examples presented in 92
color plates represent works by all of the major schools including a selection of Sho-ki
kinko - first period kinko.
135 pages, 8½ x12" hardcover $165.00 |
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KATANA TOSO NO SUBETE
KOKUBO Kenichi (1984)
Japanese-language survey of koshirae. Many
daisho and tanto examples
are included. Both color and b&w photographs throughout.
133 pgs., 7½ x 10¼" hardcover $85.00 |
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SUKASHI
TSUBA
KOKUBO Kenichi (1968)
Japanese-language text on tsuba with photographs
of 200 sukashi examples produced during the Muromachi through Edo periods; each
accompanied with description and commentary in Japanese. Included separately is an English-language index of artists
making this text accessible to non-Japanese readers.
257 pages, 6 x 8½" hardcover $105.00 |
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DOITSU KARA KAETTE KITA TSUBA
Tsuba that came home from Germany,
The Dr. W. Fahrenhorst Collection
Iba Tomihiko (1969)
A Japanese-language text presenting an important, early collection accumulated
during the Meiji period. B&W examples presented one to a page, preceded by 32
color plates many showing front and back detail as shown here. Though mostly tsuba,
the examples span the range of kodogu with 109 pieces shown in 144 photographic
plates.
170 pages, 6 x 8½" hardcover $125.00
DOITSU
KARA KAETTE KITA TSUBA, Pt. II
Companion volume to the above text with the theme of other
tsuba returning to Japan from Europe.
238 pages, 6 x 8½" hardcover
$125.00
Purchase as a set for $235.00
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THE JAPANESE SWORD AND ITS FITTINGS
Japanese Sword Society of New York (1966)
This is a Cooper Union Museum catalog of an exhibit from the collections of New York club
members. Like other earlier examples it is interesting to see this exhibit
referenced in bibliographies of current texts. Includes 25 blades, 58
tsuba, 26
kozuka, and other fittings en suite. An excellent range of examples shown in
b&w; glossary.
48 pages, 8½
x11" soft cover $25.00 |
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TSUBA IN SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA
Compiled by W.M. Hawley (1975)
Credited as in cooperation with the Japanese Sword Club of Southern
California, as a club officer Hawley produced this large volume from
collected examples of the membership. A remarkable array of
tsuba are presented of all types and design. Tsuba photographs are
shown five to a page. Text is limited to general headings as
examples are arranged thematically and by construction.
302 pages, 8½ x 11" hardcover $225.00 |
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SWORDS OF THE SAMURAI: Japanese Arms & Armor from Northwest Collections, Revised
Edition (1985)
A catalog prepared for a Washington State
University exhibit in which kodogu predominate as 36 of the 112 examples. Tsuba,
menuki, and kozuka are shown in clear b&w photographic plates. Extensive descriptive
text; glossary.
67 pages, 9 x 9" soft cover $65.00 |
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THE GODA COLLECTION OF JAPANESE SWORD
FITTINGS
R.H.Rucker (1924)
This very early catalog produced by the Metropolitan Museum of Art presents the sword
fittings collection of Masauji Goda. The preface describes the collection as an
"effort to illustrate worthily the great art of Japan" (in a country. .
.believed. . .somewhat of an 'oasis in the Western desert')." 68 Pages of
text followed by a 93 page catalog of well described fittings with b&w plates. Printing
was limited to 500 editions. The book was published as a soft cover only --
given the age and format there are few copies remaining. This is a rare find, and a
ready reference for advanced collectors.
161 pages, 5½ x 8¾" soft cover $295.00 |
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JAPON: KINKO - Montures de Sabre
Ornementales
Robert Burawoy (1983)
Large format publication presents 56 lots of fittings. Primarily tsuba, also
included are kozuka, fuchi/kashira, and tanto koshirae with piece shown in high quality
photos -- all but 16 in full color. Description for each piece in French.
8 pages, 11¾ x 16½" soft cover $21.00 |
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SHOSANKENSHU
Henri Joly's List of Names and Kakihan
Henri Joly (r.1985)
The reprint of Joly's 1919 handwritten/drawn reference to fittings makers' names and
personal seals. Over 2950 listings are recorded. Listings are alphabetized by
romanized spelling, each includes: kanji, and in most cases
kakihan and notations
regarding location or school. The previous text to which Joly credits as the basis
for supplementation was by Shinkichi Hara and contained only 600 entries less
kakihan.
This is a definitive and invaluable reference tool by a noted authority.
444 pages, 9¼ x 11½" hardcover $95.00 |
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THE ITO SCHOOL OF TSUBA MAKERS
B.Navroth
A history of the ten masters of the Ito school of Bushu (1688-1880); identifying
characteristics of their works. Includes photos of 14 tsuba plus several
enlargements detailing signatures.
10 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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Nihon To Koza Vol.VI: KODOGU
Part I
AFU: H.A.Watson, translator
Primarily concerned with tsuba, this volume covers iron tsuba, fuchi kashira, and offers a
discussion of the types of kantei of kodogu with comparison of how tsuba are viewed in the
West. Given the volume of names involved in kodogu, considerable attention is given to
pronunciation and kanji. A 10 page pronunciation guide to 900+ kanji is included, as is a
separate 4 page pamphlet with essential terms for the study of kodogu.
374 pages, 8½ x 11" hardcover $150.00 |
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THE JAPANESE SWORD AND ITS DECORATION
Helen Gunsaulus (1924)
This is one of a series of large leaflets that were prepared by Chicago's Field Museum of
Natural History to give an of account individual exhibits. This important collection
is often referenced by contemporary texts. Includes an overview of the
importance of the sword in Japanese culture and the fittings and schools associated to it;
with 4 b&w plates, each with 2 or more examples.
25 pages, 5½ x 8¾" soft cover $25.00 |
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600 JAPANESE SWORD FITTINGS TERMS
W.M.Hawley
Defines the relevant terminology of Japanese sword fittings study. Terms are listed
alphabetically and written in both Romanji and Kanji.
133 pages, 8½ x 11" spiral bound $35.00 |
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INTRODUCTION TO SWORD MOUNTS
H.L.Joly, Translated by Laura & W.M.Hawley
Essentially this is a history of sword mountings and fittings with definitions and
descriptions with illustrations from the Shaku Jisshu, an 18th century
text.
30 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $6.95 |
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THE APPLICATION OF GOLD ON JAPANESE
SWORD FITTINGS
W.M.Hawley
A six page essay covering various gold gilding and inlay processes for kodogu and
swords followed by a glossary of metal working terms, types of work, and common alloys
with compositions listed.
12 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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