The Tosogu Ecosystem in Europe
In Europe and beyond, access to the field of Tosogu or Nihonto is often informal. There are few structured entry points, and much of the knowledge is shared through personal exchange. Between collectors, dealers, and scholars.
For those approaching Tosogu, Tsuba, Kozuka and Menuki for the first time, this can make the field appear distant or difficult to enter. At the same time, it creates an opportunity: New collectors bring fresh perspectives, different questions, and a renewed sense of discovery. Their engagement ensures that these objects continue to be studied, appreciated, and preserved beyond their place of origin.
Tosogu.eu is intended as a small contribution to this process: Offering orientation, sharing resources, and helping to make this field more approachable.
“This European Perspective does not claim completeness.“
It is shaped by distance, interpretation, and ongoing learning.
Yet within this space, a different kind of engagement can emerge;
one that not only reflects on these objects, but also helps to carry
their appreciation forward. And this is a very personal goal for me.
European Societies
The rare, formal entry points.
N.B.T.H.K. European Branch
The Japanese Institution on Nihonto & Tosogu has two branches outside of Japan: The American Branch & the European Branch: In the heart of Europe, with meetings in Munich & Solingen.
To-ken Society of Great Britain
The To-ken Society promotes the study, appreciation, and preservation of Japanese swords and Sword Fittings, welcoming enthusiasts from beginners to experts, since 1964.
The Japanese Armor Society
Sharing knowledge and experience regarding Samurai Armor & Helmets, closely linked to the fields of Nihonto & Tosogu. Some very fine people, many of which are living in the heart of Europe.
Museums in Europe
Great Institutions on Japanese Art, Tosogu & Nihonto specifically.
Samurai Museum, Berlin
My very personal Favorite: Peter Janssen’s Collection at the heart of Berlin. An award winning Museum and the biggest Collection of Samurai Art outside of Japan.
Design Museum, Copenhagen
An important early center of study emerged in Copenhagen, shaped by the work of Pietro Krohn and later Hugo Halberstadt. Now showing almost 2,000 Tsuba of great Quality & Bandwidth.
Musée Guimet, Paris
Featuring many pieces from the late 19th-century influx of Japanese art into France, including items formerly in the Alexis Rouart collection, which were considered among the best in Europe.
Events & Meetings
Grow your Network, look at great quality Artworks and talk to knowledgeable People.
Japanese Art Fair, Utrecht
Celebrates the legacy of Japanese culture, bringing together artifacts, collectors, scholars and dealers from all over the world. A yearly gathering in Utrecht around the middle of the year.
N.B.T.H.K. Study Meetings
The N.B.T.H.K. holds several Meetings every year in Solingen and close to Munich – usually 4 to 8. They are also open to visitors and interested people. It’s best to reach out directly and send a note beforehand.
Nihonto Club Germany
This was personally my first touch point within European Ecosystem of Nihonto & Tosogu. An informal Group of Collectors with regular meetings and good Quality pieces.
Selected References on Tosogu
A small selection of works that have shaped the study and appreciation of Tosogu. Bridging Japanese scholarship & European collections.
Sword Guards & Fittings from Japan
A foundational study of the Halberstadt collection, connecting European collecting with Japanese scholarship and offering deep insight into the development of Tsuba. Not easy to get.
The Japanese Sword and Its Fittings
A unique perspective on Tosogu through material, technique, and craftsmanship. Bridging metallurgy and aesthetics in an accessible way.
Tsuba: An Aesthetic Study
A key work on connoisseurship, focusing on how to see and evaluate Tsuba beyond classification and attribution.
By Kazutaro Torigoye & Robert E. Haynes
Reputable Dealers in Europe
Can be considered a gateway and also advisor for the World of Japanese Arms & Armor
Paul Kremers, Tokyo & Cologne
Tsuba.info is not only a great source of Knowledge but also Paul is one of the most helpful people in the Business globally. A truly trusted Advisor.
Giuseppe Piva, Milano
Gallery focused on samurai arms, armor, and Japanese art, known for its historical approach and collaborations with museums and collectors.
Soryu Antiques, Warsaw
Poland‑based seller specializing in Japanese antiques such as Tsuba, sword fittings, and samurai arms, offering selected pieces.
Auction Houses
Through old European Collectors since the 19th Century, we see a steady flow of good Quality Tosogu at European Auctions.
Bonhams, Munich & London
One of the international Reference for Asian Arts with a European presence. Featuring Landmark Auctions over the past years: The Collection of Alan & Simone Hartman or the Albert Maroni Collection.
Auktionshaus Lempertz, Cologne
A fine address with good reputation and knowledge in the Field of Tosogu. And also one of the leading Houses in Europe for Arts in General. Not always as expensive, at it may seem.
Czerny’s, Italy
Famous for Arms & Armor, specialized on Tosogu & Nihonto. Had a spectacular Tsuba Auction in March 2026, featuring the Robert E. Haynes Study Collection and the Günther Heckmann Collection; Both are published.