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Tsuba Otaku (鍔おたく)
Reflections of a Not So Empty Mind
GALLERIES: The Art of the Tsuba
The Japanese sword guard (tsuba 鍔) is second only to the blade in beauty and first in expression of the warrior's status, character, and values. Below is a collection of my personal information I have gathered through my research and in hand study of each piece. Click on the title or photo below to see all of the items listed in the gallery including the pictured item. Each piece will have multiple photographs, a detailed description, and other information. Contact me directly via the Contact webpage for all questions, comments, or fair trades requests.
Published Articles by the Tsuba Otaku
Japanese Sword Society of United States (JSSUS) Quarterly Journal, Volume 44, No. 3, May 2012
"Overview and Development of Tsuba made by Japanese Swordsmiths" by David Stiles
Japanese Sword Society of United States (JSSUS) Quarterly Journal, Volume 45, No. 4, September 2013
"Fine Sukashi Tsuba of Windblown Pine" by David Stiles
Japanese Sword Society of United States (JSSUS) Quarterly Journal, Volume 47, No. 2, March-April 2015
"Early History of the Hirata School of Higo Province" by David Stiles
Japanese Sword Society of United States (JSSUS) Quarterly Journal, Volume 48, No. 3, May-June 2016
"Study of Excellence: Misumi Menuki" by David Stiles
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Japanese Sword Society of United States (JSSUS) Quarterly Journal, Volume 50, No. 1, January-February 2018
"Kanesada Tsuba (金定鐔)" by David Stiles
Japanese Sword Society of United States (JSSUS) Quarterly Journal, Volume 50, No. 4, July-August 2018
"Discussion of a Ko-Shōami Tsuba (古正阿弥鐔)" by David Stiles
Japanese Sword Society of United States (JSSUS) Quarterly Journal, Volume 52, No. 4, July-August 2020
"Introduction and Study of Antique Koshirae" by David Stiles
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