Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 17:28:06 GMT
I was wondering about what makes a tsuba. Sounds like a silly thing at first but as i look into the intensity of detail to make every aspect of katana construction (and everything else) i find myself scratching my head wondering. Maybe someone can help. My question is What is Kozuka Hitsu-ana (the half round hole on the left (looking down the sword) for? And What is Kogai Hitsu-ana (the half hole with an extra bubble on the right (looking down the sword) for? I have read that it represented sun and moon but then why are some filled in later and often with materials that still display the hole? Maybe a new owner liked the moon more than the sun ( maybe he got burned once and never forgave *shrug*). I am sure it reduces weight somewhat but it all just seems to have whole lot more to it, more in depth with deeper meaning (as so much in oriental art is). If anyone knows or cares to speculate, i thank you in advance!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 17:57:45 GMT
The kozuka is a small knife located in a slot on the saya - scabbard on some katana. not always present - hence the filled holes on some tsuba.
The kogai is another tool located on the other side of the saya- with an ear wax digger on the end that is tilted or canted outwardly - hence the bubble on the cut out. Again not always present and rarely on production katana.
This is the VERY simplified answer. Others may chime in with more, maybe.
Do some searches for those terms.
Welcome! to the Forum.
Steve
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 19:21:55 GMT
Nice! I didn't do enough research. There comes a point (when my brain is spinning inside my skull) where i say, "Enough' and i ask others.I feel a bit silly myself now, but Thank You for the (quick) reply and awesome answer.
|
|
|
Post by ineffableone on May 10, 2012 21:56:43 GMT
Kogai were a multi use tool, also being used as a hair pin to hold long hair back in a bun, plus many kogai were cut down the length and made into chop sticks for eating meals. The utility knife of the kozuka and the multi use tool of the kogai made the katana more everyday functional not just a weapon. This gave you reason to have your weapon near you at all times for the functions these two accessories had, resulting in you being close to your weapon too.
|
|
|
Post by Lobster Hunter on May 11, 2012 0:40:01 GMT
I wonder if the presence of such tools in the saya with their little handles protruding into the tsuka side had any influence on the prescribed method of initially drawing the sword with the fingers only, as opposed to with the whole hand. Probably not, as the fingers only method does seem to improve edge alignment on a fast draw... however, it's interesting to think about.
|
|