A Topic For Possible Debate; Tsuba Diameters For Given Periods?

[CurtisR]

Hello All,

 

Hoping your weeks went well...I was thinking about a subject that I haven't seen discussed (maybe I missed it?); Is there a correlation of the diameter of tsuba to the given period of the blade perhaps?

 

To clarify, for instance an Edo tsuba - during the time when art "generally" was held in esteem relating to tosogu of moderate to 'good' quality vs. the time of say, Muromachi when the tsuba was probably iron and fairly un-adorned (unless for one of higher rank). made with the probability that the tsuba would be used in combat (and (?) larger) and the attractiveness of the piece not so important?

 

Just curious - I've looked at different period tsuba but can't come to a conclusion...maybe it also has to do with the Ryuha of the owner and/or the tsubashi who made the piece. Any thoughts here?

 

Best,

 

Curtis R.

[Lance]

My understanding is that  (in general) Muromachi and earlier tsuba  were smaller or thinner.  Most times I've seen this in print or discussed it would usually be attributed to  katate-uchigatana being shorter and lighter; battlefield slashing cuts were a different fighting style, and the curvature and balance//fulcrum on Koto swords were more natural  so the tsuba would serve more as a hand stop, guard and the owner's tastes. 

Shinto, especially Kanbun shape  being more straight(ish)  had a different balance so a larger heavier tsuba, even if only a few ounces could change the pivot point, plus Edo period tastes being more decorative, a larger tsuba allows for more ornamentation.

I can think of a few exceptions though, it seems Yagu school tsuba were on the small side  as well as the guards mounted on Satsuma koshirae. 

 

 Interesting topic, hope others post to expand and correct anything I've written.

 

Regards,

Lance 

[CurtisR]

Thanks Lance - very interesting! And I wonder, once the uchigatana became the "weapon of the day", it the owner would have a new tsuba made when going o-suriage.

I can see your point of it being a "hand-stop for tachi on horseback, especially since the wearer would be doing several things at once....and even the foot-soldier, really. I hope more will chime in also, as it's something that just occurred to me as I was looking at different designs and photos. Thanks Sir

 

Curtis R.

[Geraint]

If you have not seen this link it might be useful.  http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/tsuba/tsubaid.htm

 

All the best.

[Guido]

Wow, Geraint, that's more than 20 years ago, even I myself had forgotten about it    ! Anyhow, attached is the chart in PDF format (with a few minor corrections), it prints out nicer than the GIF.

 

 

Please keep in mind that it's only a rough guide, there are always exceptions. Unfortunately (fortunately?) tsuba are not mathematically correct ...  

SukashiTsuba.pdf

[Geraint]

Hi Guido.

 

20 years, but the blink of an eye in this hobby!

 

All the best.

[CurtisR]

Thanks you Geraint! I've been to that site before but obviously missed this page...very cool!

 

Curtis R.

[lonely panet]

Hi guys, I don't see Higo school?

 

is it included by another name

 

regards H

[Geraint]

Dear Hamish.

 

As in Kamiyoshi, Hirata Hikozo, Jingo?  I think Higo school is a bit of a generalisation with too much variation between them to class as one thing.

 

All the best.