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John Lindsey
21st May 2000, 19:58
A few weeks ago someone on one of the art sword email lists made a comment that tsuka length during the Edo period was influenced by aesthetics, in that a shorter tsuka shows off the koshirae better than a longer one. I found this comment interesting and that it probably has a ring of truth to it.

The 9-10 inch tsuka is more pleasing to the eye.

kenkyusha
22nd May 2000, 02:13
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by John Lindsey:

[snip]
The 9-10 inch tsuka is more pleasing to the eye. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, it would certainly fit with the minimizing of Bushi's social role to that of bureaucratic functionaries. It also seems easier to look the part of an imposing tough-jin if you aren't always smackin' into the tsuka of your ken while walking down the michi.

My question is, doesn't this cut down on the kumiuchi-type stuff available? With a 12-13" tsuka, you can do all sorts of trapping and the like... with 9" it seems nigh impossible. Any thoughts?

Be well,
Jigme


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Jigme Chobang
kenkyusha@bigfoot.com