THE
CONNOISSEUR'S BOOK OF JAPANESE SWORDS (To-Ken Kantei Dokuhon)
Kokan Nagayama, Translated by Kenji Mishina
Following an in-depth consideration of the history of the sword in Japan, the five
traditions of workmanship and some outstanding Edo period examples, Nagayama's guide to
sword appreciation expands on criteria to judge sword quality, identify flaws, and
ultimately make a correct attribution. This ambitious guide includes an index and is
supported by 560 b&w illustrations.
256 pages, 71/2 x 101/8" hardcover $70.00 |
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THE CRAFT OF THE JAPANESE
SWORD
Leon & Hiroko Kapp, and Yoshindo Yoshihara
Details the creation of the sword as the combined efforts of: the smith, polisher*, habaki and fittings maker, and saya maker. The contributions of
each is detailed with step by step photographs accompanying detailed text and many
examples. In addition, comparisons of koto and shinsaku blades are included with color,
b&w photos, and many illustrations throughout.
167 pages, 7½ x 10½" hardcover $45.00
* For
greater depth on polishing see
Stones & Swords
(Milhau, 1999). |
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JUDGING A JAPANESE BLADE
Yasu Kizu
Offers a systematic approach to the evaluation of sword characteristics. From an initial
check list follows considerations of surface and edge colors, effects of fire, issues of
cutting quality, and a listing of kizu, flaws or defects, accompanied by
illustration.
17 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95JAPANESE
SWORD INSCRIPTIONS
W.M.Hawley
A guide to reading signatures and dedications. The text includes tables of
characters, dates, titles, provinces, listings of personal names, and many examples.
38 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $6.95
CURVATURE IN JAPANESE BLADES
W.M.Hawley
As an important element of kantei, this text considers curvature with relative comparison
by school. Following an explanation of the comparison process, this study presents a
summary in table form with numerical values for curvature, or sori, for representative
schools during both koto and shinto periods.
11 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95
TEMPER LINES IN JAPANESE SWORDS
W.M.Hawley
A listing of 73 hamon variations, each named and illustrated, with references to the
schools and smiths that used them.
30 pages, 5½ x 8½ " soft cover $6.95
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TACHI IN JAPAN
W.M. Hawley
Identifies distinct characteristics of the tachi, a design intended for single hand use by
mounted samurai, as the precursor to the katana. The text includes history and evolution
of this early style of sword.
13 pages, 5½ x 8½ " soft cover $4.95
FALSE
SIGNATURES ON JAPANESE SWORDS
W.M.Hawley
A brief comparison of signatures and inscriptions including both true and gimei
(false) examples. Illustrations of various oshigata from Hawley publications are
used to demonstrate key points for consideration.
12 pages, 5½ x 8½ " soft cover $6.95
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JAPANESE SWORDSMITH GROUPS
W.M.Hawley
A listing of the major sword producing schools, the periods when active, and the smiths of
note from each group. Includes a large foldout map identifying provinces to provide
additional clarification.
30 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover $9.95THE
DECORATION OF SWORD BLADES
W.M. Hawley
A catalog of horimono, or "carved things"; lists a range of carvings
including: Bonji characters, religious figures, and Chinese weapons that appear on blades.
16 pages, 5½ x 8½ " soft cover $4.95
JAPANESE
SWORD PRODUCTION IN LATE KOTO TIMES
W.M.Hawley
Covers the impact of the 16th century civil wars on blade production and quality;
identifying key traits of suo-koto.
14 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95
JAPANESE SWORD BLADES OF THE SHINTO AND
SHINSHINTO PERIODS
Yasu Kizu
Outlines the characteristics and history of sword production
during the period.
16 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95
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THE SMELTING OF IRON ORE AND THE FORGING OF BLADES
Yasu Kizu
Details the tatara, or smelter, and surveys the distinctive Japanese forging
process.
14 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95
LAMINATING TECHNIQUES IN
JAPANESE SWORDS
W.M.Hawley
Examines various methods employed in the creation of the Japanese sword, specifically the
processes of making steel and combining laminates.
17 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $5.95 |
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