Make offer katana and wakizashi daisho pair katana swords. The book of swords series is a series of science fictionfantasy novels written by fred saberhagen. I did see the reference books listed, however, additional books have been published since 2002 as per listed on amazon. Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by project gutenberg. We offer the largest selection of japanese arms and armor titles. Books on japanese swords, iaido and general knifemaking. One of the best books that have recently come out of japan from one of the most famous authorities of the japanese sword. Kokan nagayams the connoisseurs book of japanese swords, the latter being not really userfriendly though. Essential books on japanese swords and culture unique japan. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords 9784770020710 by nagayama, kokan and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. Trevino 1978 this limitedrun printing offers a western collectors perspective on the field of japanese sword collecting. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords by nakayama kokan.
These links lead to pages on amazon that provide a. The swords were forged on a lifeless, windscoured moun. Books with english text all books are new copies and in hard covers unless otherwise stated. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords ebooks free. Tons of great books, many of them important references, and more coming in all the time. Get the best deals on collectible japanese katanas when you shop the largest online selection at. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets.
The connoisseurs book of japanese swords by kokan nagayama other tips for learning. Christies sale catalogue, new york 29th march 2005. Without going too much into history, its enough to say the priorities of making new japanese swords for sale have changed over time. Those marked with a are excellent books for those beginning the study of nihonto. Books with japanese text all books are new copies and in hard covers unless otherwise stated. The craft of swordmaking and its appreciation kindle edition by yoshihara, yoshindo, kapp, leon, kapp, hiroko. Japanese militaria international military antiques. Richly illustrated throughout with more than 550 of the authors own painstaking oshigata illustrationssword tracings onto which details are penciled in by handthe connoisseurs book of japanese swords is easily the most informative and comprehensive guide to the blades of japanese swords ever to appear in english. The japanese have been perfecting the art of sword making since the 1st century a. From the foreword by clive sinclaire chairman of the token society of great britain. This books gives the reader a great understanding on the more technical aspects of making japanese swords.
This book is designed to enhance ones appreciation for the wide variety of japanese swords as well as their related polearms, their manufacture and their preservation. I just learned that inquiries about items havent been getting through to my inbox. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords will be of great help in making educated judgments at kantei sessions, and will be an invaluable and constant reference work. May 27, 2017 this rather fluid disparity in japanese and western dates should be taken into account when reading the archaic date inscriptions on the tangs of japanese swords. The cyclopedia edition is a greatly expanded revision of the 1996 sword book. Japanese to cast upon the market, none has met with such wide fame and yet with such a limited study as the sword.
Call on us for experienced and appropriate direction on books to meet. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the art of the japanese sword. Some of the books listed below are now outofprint and can only be found through specialty book stores. Buy japanese sword books and tsuba grey doffin dealer in nihonto art. Historically, japanese warriors considered their swords to be far greater than simple. Japanese sword production in late koto times by hawley paperback june 1990 hawley pubns. How to read date inscriptions on japanese swords japan forward. Authentic japanese swords called nihonto are usually very expensive.
These links lead to pages on amazon that provide a small referral fee to unique japan. The date of manufacture had often been inscribed on the tang nakago since at least the kamakura period 118432. The japanese sword is your premier gateway to the japanese sword world. Musha 39 razor sharp handmade katana samurai sword. When, in 1877, the government prohibited the samurai from wearing any longer the two swords which had been the privilege and distinctive mark of their martial caste, the imperial wish was obeyed, notwithstanding the. New listing ww2 japanese navy sword gunto ijn original. I am a novice and would greatly appreciate any assistance you could offer. Japanese swords in the british museum victor harris 2005 catalog of the collection of japanese swords and fittings of the british museum, the finest collection of japanese swords in europe, including examples by many of the major schools, dating from the 12th or early th century to the meiji era 18681912. Japanese swords in dutch collections by han bing siong, 8. Japanese swords are prized for their grace, efficiency, and excellent craftsmanship. Many legends surround japanese swords, the most frequent being that the blades are folded an immense number of times, gaining magical properties in the meantime.
If youre interested in learning more about japanese swords, this video will tell you where to start. Arms and armor of the samurai by stephen turnbull, ian bottomley, a. But of course there are more books than those but most of them antiquarian books, not available on. The most sought after japanese swords are those that were created during the 10th to 16th centuries when horseback warfare. Check also the many online book dealers which sell both inprint and outofprint books on japanese swords. The samurai sword by john yumoto classic starter book this is the book that started most of us on our journey studying japanese swords. While blades folded hundreds, thousands, or even millions of times are encountered in fiction, there is no record of real blades being folded more than around 20 times. The japanese sword japanese arts library only 1 left in stock order soon. If you asked about an item and got no answer from me please try again. Still useful, especially as a guide to inscriptions. All smithsonian museums and smithsonian libraries locations continue to be closed to support the effort to contain the spread of covid19.
All famous swords inside, both pictures as well as oshigata showing the activity for one to study. There are many types of japanese swords that differ by size, shape. Military military index military az ancient weapons and warfare military weapons uniforms firearms siege weapons knives samurai swords fencing crusaders knights templar castles artillery ancient wars history of warfare medieval history boer war crimean war conquistadors the. Here is a growing list of books on japanese sword and japanese culture that are recommended reads. Japanese swords is highly recommended for those with an interest in japanese history and culture, and it would make for a worthy addition to collections of allied literature.
Nov 08, 2012 free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by project gutenberg. Check with your book store or library and books in print for details of publisher, price, etc. The affordable antique japanese swords for sale on ebay represent the pinnacle of swordsmithing. With over 300 stunning photographs and woodblock prints along with extensive historical and cultural commentary, japanese swords is the ultimate authority on samurai weaponry. The japanese sword combines unbreakability, rigidity, and lethal cutting power, and it is in the resolution of these conflicting practical requirements that it emerges as a triumph of the forgers art. Sword books fittings books armor books other books.
Books on japanese swords, sword fittings and armouri hold the largest stock of japanese sword books outside japan and also sell related items. Japanese militaria for sale at international military antiques including pieces from wwii and earlier such as vintage ww2 japanese military helmets, ww2 katana, prayer flags and much more. Jul 09, 2019 books on japanese swords, sword fittings and armouri hold the largest stock of japanese sword books outside japan and also sell related items. Whether youre a martial artist studying swordsmanship or a collector looking to add a true jewel to your wall, you cant go wrong with an antique katana.
There is much information and each item has been carefully researched. Enter your email address to subscribe to a monthly inventory update list. The katana, or samurai sword, is a work of art as well as a weapon. The japanese sword japanese arts library hardcover june 15, 1983. Buy japanese sword books and tsuba grey doffin dealer. The story revolves around the twelve swords of power, which were forged by the gods and given to humanity, and how various characters acquire and use them. Japanese samuari sword books and videos nihonto taikan. If youre interested in learning more about japanese. Wwii japanese sword hand folded or damascus world war 2 nco officers in sheath.
Swords have been made from as early as the kofun period, though most generally refer to the curved blades made after the heian period, when speaking of japanese swords. Particularly interesting is the section on the making of the hamon temper line. This contains kokuho and juyo level swords in detial and the history of nihonto, their features, swordmaking. A little old now, but this was the book that introduced japanese swords to the postww2 west. This rather fluid disparity in japanese and western dates should be taken into account when reading the archaic date inscriptions on the tangs of japanese swords. Also the books of leon kapp are recommended for background. If youre interested in learning more about japanese swords, this. Book description when, in 1877, the government prohibited the samurai from wearing any longer the two swords which had been the privilege and distinctive mark of their martial caste, the imperial when the japanese government prohibited the wearing of swords, the wish was obeyed, notwithstanding the feeling that something was snapping in the life of the nation. The series spans several decades and features dozens of characters.
For detailed information and comparisons between swords currently available on the market, you can jump to your area of interest. From 1868 to the present leon kapp, hiroko kapp, yoshindo yoshihara kodansha international, 2003 here is a detailed look at the modern age of japanese swordsmithing, by which the author means the era of heavy interaction with the west. Includes oshigata, pictures, biographical details, and yen values. If you could only afford three books on japanese swords which ones would you suggest. A native english speaker, based in tokyo, i work with a vast number of swordsmiths, pol. We are not announcing a reopening date at this time and will provide updates on a regular and asneeded basis. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords 9781568365817. It is a must have book for collectors of ww2 japanese swords. From the foreword by clive sinclairechairman of the token society of great britain. Japanese swords, particularly those wielded by famous samurai warriors, hold a continuing fascination for collectors of fine arts and historical military weapons. Download the information from the nbthk american branch website at. Japanese swords in the british museum victor harris 2005 catalog of the collection of japanese swords and fittings of the british museum, the finest collection of japanese swords in europe, including examples by many of the major schools, dating from the 12th. How to read date inscriptions on japanese swords japan.
Minty gendaito wwii japanese samurai sword shin gunto katana nihonto ww2 blade. A japanese sword, nihonto is one of several types of traditionally made swords from japan. A handbook for beginners and, for the advanced, kokan nagayams the connoisseurs book of japanese swords, the latter being not really userfriendly though. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Best books about the japanese sword, the katana on amazon. If you decide that you want more than a piece or two, be prepared to spend lots of money on books you should probably consider purchasing copies of nagayamas the connoisseurs book of japanese swords, hawleys japanese swordsmiths, harry watsons translations of nihon to koza, and fujishiros nihon toku jiten sooner than later.
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