Tomihiko Iha & Mitsuo Shibata - 4 Japanese Sword & Tsuba Reference Books – Tomihiko Iha & Mitsuo Shibata - 1967-1971

These four Japanese sword and tsuba reference books by Tomihiko Iha and Mitsuo Shibata, published between 1967 and 1971, represent significant scholarly resources on Japanese blades and their fittings. Tsuba are the handguards on swords, often exquisitely decorated and symbolically rich, reflecting the samurai's aesthetic tastes and social identity. The authors are respected researchers who have contributed to the study and classification of Japanese sword art. Such reference books aid collectors, historians, and enthusiasts in understanding the stylistic development, makers, and cultural significance of blades and their components. Knowledge of sword anatomy, maker signatures, and design motifs is crucial for authentication and appreciation of these historic artifacts within Japanese martial heritage.