B458.  Tsuba Meisaku Shu by Dr. Homma, the NBTHK, and The National Sword  Museum in Tokyo.  1952.  8 ¾ x 12 ¼”.  A slightly unusual format for this book: ribbon tied case holds 159 loose pages with 2 pictures of tsuba each, and a 65 page, softbound introduction.  Some tsuba are shown both sides; other plates show 2 different tsuba.  Each pictured tsuba is described in English and Japanese both; the introduction volume (list of plates, outline of tsuba history, short essays on schools of tsuba making, and a glossary) is 27 pages of Japanese and 38 pages in English.  This book was published in conjunction with a very major show of tsuba at the museum; only the best pieces are included (amazing stuff).  This book is a very difficult find; I found no others available anywhere online.  I have also the later, hardbound edition of this book.  See B459.

The slipcase of this copy (not the one in my picture) is distressed and separating along an edge or 2.  The plates are in fine condition.  4 pounds, 4 ounces.  Was $325; now $75.