B558.  Nihon Toban Zusetsu by Takezawa Masao.  1968.  Of a limited edition.  Hardbound in slipcase, 10 ¼ x 13 ½”, 277 pages in Japanese with a list of plates in English.  735 1st class tsuba are arranged by school and illustrated life size in crisp black & white photos (plus a few in color).  One thing special about this book is that it gives you many unusual examples; it isn’t just the same old tsuba you find in the other books on the subject.

The slipcase (not the one in my picture) is badly damaged and falling apart.  Other than for a couple shallow bumps to the covers the book is in excellent condition.  6 pounds.  Normally $250; due to the damage this copy will be $150.