The Art of Tsukamaki, Second Edition
THE ART OF TSUKAMAKI
The timeless Craft of Japanese Sword Handle Wrapping

Tsukamaki, combining aesthetics, form and function, is the deceptively simple Japanese art of sword handle wrapping. Dr. Buck's work presents a general historical overview of the evolution of Japanese samurai swords and sword mounts, as well as step-by-step instructions and diagrams for 25 specific types of sword handle wrapping. It also includes a compact visual glossary of Japanese swords, general temper patterns and common signature characters. As a reference book, it is both an excellent introduction to the art of Tsukamaki, and a complete how-to guide for the beginner tsukamaki-shi, or sword handle wrapper.

Inside you'll discover:
• A detailed history of tsukamaki and sword mounting traditions
• Complete instructions for crafting over 25 traditional wrapping styles
• Guidance on tools, workshop setup, and material selection
• Step-by-step restoration, repair, and disassembly techniques
• A visual glossary of sword parts, wrap patterns, and temper lines

Whether you are a collector, an artisan, historian, or martial artist, this book offers everything you need for your journey into this time-honored Japanese craft. Filled with practical advice, visual glossaries, and historical insights. The Art of Tsukamaki is an essential reference for anyone drawn to the elegance and precision of Japanese sword artistry.

About the Author
Thomas L. Buck, Ph.D. began studying Japanese swords in 1987 under Dr. W. Y. Takahashi Sensei. As a scholar and practitioner, he is internationally respected for his contributions to the art of restoration and preservation.
1148033426
The Art of Tsukamaki, Second Edition
THE ART OF TSUKAMAKI
The timeless Craft of Japanese Sword Handle Wrapping

Tsukamaki, combining aesthetics, form and function, is the deceptively simple Japanese art of sword handle wrapping. Dr. Buck's work presents a general historical overview of the evolution of Japanese samurai swords and sword mounts, as well as step-by-step instructions and diagrams for 25 specific types of sword handle wrapping. It also includes a compact visual glossary of Japanese swords, general temper patterns and common signature characters. As a reference book, it is both an excellent introduction to the art of Tsukamaki, and a complete how-to guide for the beginner tsukamaki-shi, or sword handle wrapper.

Inside you'll discover:
• A detailed history of tsukamaki and sword mounting traditions
• Complete instructions for crafting over 25 traditional wrapping styles
• Guidance on tools, workshop setup, and material selection
• Step-by-step restoration, repair, and disassembly techniques
• A visual glossary of sword parts, wrap patterns, and temper lines

Whether you are a collector, an artisan, historian, or martial artist, this book offers everything you need for your journey into this time-honored Japanese craft. Filled with practical advice, visual glossaries, and historical insights. The Art of Tsukamaki is an essential reference for anyone drawn to the elegance and precision of Japanese sword artistry.

About the Author
Thomas L. Buck, Ph.D. began studying Japanese swords in 1987 under Dr. W. Y. Takahashi Sensei. As a scholar and practitioner, he is internationally respected for his contributions to the art of restoration and preservation.
38.99 In Stock
The Art of Tsukamaki, Second Edition

The Art of Tsukamaki, Second Edition

by Thomas Buck
The Art of Tsukamaki, Second Edition

The Art of Tsukamaki, Second Edition

by Thomas Buck

Hardcover(2nd ed.)

$38.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 1-2 days.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

THE ART OF TSUKAMAKI
The timeless Craft of Japanese Sword Handle Wrapping

Tsukamaki, combining aesthetics, form and function, is the deceptively simple Japanese art of sword handle wrapping. Dr. Buck's work presents a general historical overview of the evolution of Japanese samurai swords and sword mounts, as well as step-by-step instructions and diagrams for 25 specific types of sword handle wrapping. It also includes a compact visual glossary of Japanese swords, general temper patterns and common signature characters. As a reference book, it is both an excellent introduction to the art of Tsukamaki, and a complete how-to guide for the beginner tsukamaki-shi, or sword handle wrapper.

Inside you'll discover:
• A detailed history of tsukamaki and sword mounting traditions
• Complete instructions for crafting over 25 traditional wrapping styles
• Guidance on tools, workshop setup, and material selection
• Step-by-step restoration, repair, and disassembly techniques
• A visual glossary of sword parts, wrap patterns, and temper lines

Whether you are a collector, an artisan, historian, or martial artist, this book offers everything you need for your journey into this time-honored Japanese craft. Filled with practical advice, visual glossaries, and historical insights. The Art of Tsukamaki is an essential reference for anyone drawn to the elegance and precision of Japanese sword artistry.

About the Author
Thomas L. Buck, Ph.D. began studying Japanese swords in 1987 under Dr. W. Y. Takahashi Sensei. As a scholar and practitioner, he is internationally respected for his contributions to the art of restoration and preservation.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780984377961
Publisher: Lloyd & Tutle, Limited
Publication date: 08/08/2025
Edition description: 2nd ed.
Pages: 142
Product dimensions: 7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Dr. Thomas Buck has been collecting and studying the Japanese Art Sword for over fifty years, acquiring his first Samurai Sword in October, 1975. In 1987, with the guidance of Dr. W. Y. Takahashi, Sensei, he began a three year intensive study/apprenticeship of the restoration and preservation techniques of John Grimmitt and Takahiro Ichinose, concentrating his research on Tsukamaki and Japanese Lacquer-ware. Since 1988, he has been performing restoration and research work on tsuka for various institutions, private collectors, and dealers.

Dr. Buck’s educational background is wide ranging and complex. He completed his BA's in Eastern History and Philosophy (double major) in 1985 with minors in Mandarin Chinese and Mathematics, followed by an MA in Elementary Education (1990), an MS in Curriculum and Instruction (1996), and PhD’s in Educational Psychology and Applied Information Systems (1998 & 2004 respectively), as well as an MBA (2017) in Rural Healthcare and an MS (2021) in Health Informatics
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews