Dictionary of Tosogu artistic themes, three-volume set.
Generally most of Tosogu items depict some theme and in this dictionary author tries to list all of them. Each volume contains three groups of themes:
- Chinese historical and legendary people, events, and places;
- Japanese historical and legendary people, events, and places;
- Animals, plants and objects.
For each theme dictionary gives:
- Name by which the theme is known;
- Detailed description of the theme;
- Picture example of Tosogu piece on which the theme is depicted.
This book set is a fundamental element of every Tosogu library that helps understand historical and cultural background of the Japanese society of that period.
Hardcover with dust jacket and slipcase, 1-303/2-323/3-316 pages, black&white and few color pictures, text in Japanese.
Author: Kanji Numata, 1-1967, 2-1968, 3-1971
Condition: Good
Price: USD 250 + shipping cost
Zabo Tansen
Known as “Masterpiece of Kokubo Sensei”. Total 568 pieces of Tosogu, almost all of them Tsuba, are portrayed in every detail. Perfect reference material for Edo period Tsuba, mainly Goto and Kinko. If you want to learn how to distinguish true work from gimei and cast copies this book is definitely for you.
Clothbound hardcover with slipcase and original cardboard box, 558 pages, black&white and few color pictures, text in Japanese.
Author: K. Kokubo, K. Ootsubo, 1974
Condition: A little shabby binding otherwise excellent
Price: USD 100 + shipping cost
Tsuba
Outstanding reference for most important Tsuba. All pieces are portrayed in every detail on high quality photos. This very nice book belongs in the library of every Tosogu collector and enthusiast.
Clothbound hardcover with slipcase, 400 pages, black&white and few color pictures, text in Japanese.
Author: Mitsuo Shibata, 1963
Condition: Good
Price: USD 125 + shipping cost
Toso Kodogu Meihin Shu
This book is dedicated to the finest Fuchi-Kashira, Menuki and Kozuka, which are shown on the first 296 pages with many close-ups. The rest of the book is metalworking and design commentary.
Clothbound hardcover, 500 pages, black&white and few color pictures, text in Japanese.
Author: Takeshi Wakayama, 1972
Condition: Good
Price: USD 100 + shipping cost
Tosogu no Bi - Fine Japanese Sword Fittings - Menuki (1) & (2)
Volume 1 & 2 - extremely hard to find both together, limited printing of 700 copies each volume.
200 sets of fine Menuki presented in color in each volume.
Hardcover with slipcase, vol. 1 - 164 pages, vol. 2 - 148 pages, text in Japanese and English (title, motif).
