Katana tsuba

Tsuba is a kind of Japanese sword mounting. It was initially equipped with katana tsuba Japanese sword for practical reasons.

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

The Tsuba of the 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. Each tsuba has a size 5 to 10 cm , a slice and a particular shape. It is however possible to identify ten different shapes: round Marugata , "square" with rounded angles Kaku gata, Yuko Ito gata , quadrilobate Moko gata, Tate Ito gata , rectangular Aori gata. The first tsubas date back to the 6th century. Much simpler in shape in the shape of a drop of water they were generally made of an alloy of copper or iron. Before that date some tsubas had to be imported. It is still possible today to find craftsmen specializing in the manufacture of tsubas. Some tsubas being signed it becomes "easy" to retrace the history or rather that of the postman. Peculiarity of a tsuba There are several peculiarities of the tsuba, each one having a specific function: The Nagako-Ana: The largest and most important gap visible on the tsuba, more or less triangular in shape, it is used to pass the blade of the saber. The Kozuka-Hitsu: Hole in which we slide a Kogatana, which was a replica of the katana blade but on a small scale, indeed Kogatana means "ko" short "gatana" which is a phonetic variant of katana, it was used by everyone the current uses of the samurai, the noblest of all being to cut the quill pen that will allow the samurai to write his last poem before his ritual suicide: the seppuku. The Kogai-Hitsu: Hole for storing the Kogai, a pair of points with many uses: knives, chopsticks, hairpins, scraper for cleaning horses' hooves or even a tool for armor. The different forms of tsubas.

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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. The material should have the strength to withstand impact, and the most commonly used alloys are shakudo and shibuichi.

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

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. In fact, some designs were so elaborate that they became unusable in battle. You can choose your tsuba in our custom katana section.

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The classification exposed above is absolutely not exhaustive we could quote the school of Kamayama which began under the Muromachi period characterized for its iron tsubas close to another style, that of Owari. The Goto family began its work in the 15th century but only crafted sword guards until much later. Contents move to sidebar hide. Khanda Urumi Aruval. Balisword Espada y daga Hagibis Tenegre. Tsuba: Handguard. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A harder alloy than shakudo , the shibuichi contains silver about a quarter of its weight. Necessary Necessary. From the 17th to the 19th century, the Kinai masters popularized delicate pierced carving with little or no gold inlay, and the Kinai dragons were their best work.

We Use Cookies Our website uses cookies for some features to work including currencies, shopping cart, sign in, sorting and check out systems. The Tsuba is the Katana's guard designed to protect the wielders hand during a sword fight as well as prevent the swordsman's hands from accidentally slipping forward onto the blade.

As Japan entered the more peaceful Edo period, from to , the tsuba became more of an artwork rather than functional tools of war. A Japanese tsuba must be crafted from high-quality materials with good design and craftsmanship. Add to cart. Fuchigashira top and tsuba bottom made by Ishiguro Masayoshi. Shopping Cart Quick View. The material should have the strength to withstand impact, and the most commonly used alloys are shakudo and shibuichi. Age: Edo period Material: Iron. Edited by: Juliana Cummings. Correct drawing and sheathing of the blade involves contacting the mune the back of the blade rather than ha the edge to the inside of the scabbard. Knowing the history and distinctive characteristics of these sword guards may inspire you to build your collection or personalize your Japanese sword for training. Article Talk. Our customer service will help you find your ideal Tsuba you will cherish for generations. Apart from being a writer, she also dabbles in fashion modeling and acting.