Ōtsuchi

An ōtsuchi (大槌, lit. large hammer or mallet) is a large wooden war mallet used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The ōtsuchi had a shaft of about 6 feet (1.8 m) much like the ono (war axe).[1] It was mainly used for door breaching.[2][3]

This article is about the Japanese weapon. For the town in Iwate Prefecture, see Ōtsuchi, Iwate.

In this Kunisada print, Horibe Yasubei holds a large mallet.

References

1. Samurai: The Weapons and Spirit of the Japanese Warrior, Author Clive Sinclaire, Publisher Globe Pequot, 2004 ISBN 1-59228-720-4, ISBN 978-1-59228-720-8 P.119
2. Frank Leslie's popular monthly, Volume 8, Editor Frank Leslie, Publisher Frank Leslie Pub. House, 1879, Original from Indiana University, Digitized Feb 3, 2009 P.563
3. Pauley's Guide - A Dictionary of Japanese Martial Arts and Culture Author Daniel C. Pauley, Publisher Samantha Pauley, 2009 ISBN 978-0-615-23356-7 P.131