JAPANESE
ARMOR MAKERS FOR THE SAMURAI
Kei Kaneda Chappelear (1987)
The definitive reference documenting 540 Japanese armor makers of
all known schools. A brief history of each artisan's life along with
their residence and the time period during which their craft was
perfected is noted. Makers' names are listed in both English and
Japanese as well as their signatures as appears on armor. Supported
by 185 b&w plates including many detail photos, artisans are rated
based on the research of Dr.Yoshihiko Sasama. Privately
printed, this text was limited to only 500 editions.
284 pages, 8¼
x 11¼"
soft cover |
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LES ARMURIERS DU JAPON
(Robert Burawoy, 2008)
French-language dissertation on Japanese armor of the 16th through 18th
century. The author identifies misinformation long-standing in the field
of katchu study. Well illustrated with 500 pictures, 32 in color.
264 pages, 8¼ x 11" soft cover |
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JAPANESE ARMOR
100 Pieces selected from the Collection of the Kozu Foundation of
Kyoto
ARMURES DU JAPON
100 Pièces sélectionncées
dans la Collection de la Fondation Kozu de Kyoto
Robert BURAWOY
(2005) This book
draws its examples from the Kozu Foundation's exceptional collection
of important armor.
Presented is a detailed study significant works in both French and
English. Included is a glossary of terms that is indexed
back to the text for visual reinforcement. Excellent
photography reproduced on gloss-stock for optimal clarity.
The elongated format* reminiscent of Burawoy's earlier publications lends itself well to
presentation of gusoku. Also include is a bibliography of 70 publications to have illustrated parts of the Kozu
collection, a signature feature of the author's research.
128 Pages, 8½ x 14½" hardcover
*On meeting Robert Burawoy at his Paris gallery in 2001 he noted criticism
of the format (length/width) of his publications for not fitting
neatly into a bookshelf, to which he would respond that his books
should stay out and be read. |
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CASQUES, MASQUES ET ARMURES DES SEIGNEURS DE L'ANCIEN
JAPON
HELMETS, MASKS, AND ARMOR OF THE LORDS OF OLD JAPAN
Jean Christophe CHARBONNIER (2003) Presents 84 fine
examples from private collections with detailed descriptions in both
French and English. Also included are histories of the
main-line schools of armorers, an index and bibliography. Excellent
photography reproduced on gloss-stock for optimal clarity.
207 Pages, 8½ x 12" hardcover |
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SPECTACULAR HELMETS OF JAPAN
16th - 19th Century
Japan Society (1985)
This is the record of an unprecedented exhibit of Japanese warrior's helmets assembled
from important collections in Japan. "For the champion, the helmet bounds the
brow like a victorious wreath. It is the very symbol of his triumph and dignity.
For the fallen,
his
helmet and sword are the spoils first lost."
Along with a historical overview seventy-six of the finest examples are shown in
full color, each well documented and noted for its significance.
193 pages, 9¼ x 12¼"
hardcove4 |
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ARMURES DU JAPON II
100 Pièces sélectionncées
dans la Collection du Musée Stibbert de Florence
JAPANESE ARMOR
II
100 Pieces selected from the Collection of the Stibbert Museum in
Florence
Robert BURAWOY
(2006) The follow up to Burawoy's 2005 publication, this book
draws its examples from the important Italian museum's collection.
Presented is a detailed study of significant armor in both English
and French. Included is a glossary of terms that is indexed
back to the text for visual reinforcement. Excellent
photography reproduced on gloss-stock for optimal clarity.
144 Pages, 8½ x 12" hardcover |
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JAPANESE ARMOR FROM THE JEAN SAPORTA COLLECTION
ARMURES JAPONAISES DANS LA COLLECTION JEAN SAPORTA
Jean Christophe CHARBONNIER (2007) Documents the important Saporta collection of Japanese armor: kabuto, mempo, gusoku - complete armor en suite, and accessories. The exceptional photographic record of the collection is accompanied by detailed descriptions in both French and English,
and supported by a comprehensive glossary and bibliography.
176 Pages, 8½ x 12" hardcover |
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SHIN KATCHUSHI
MEIKAN
SASAMA Yoshihiko (2000)
Japanese language text on armor. The book includes
oshigata of many armor makers' signatures. Each oshigata is accompanied by a b&w
photographic plate of the actual example from which the mei was recorded. Both the
photos and oshigata are interspersed throughout the text's comprehensive listing of armor
makers. This latest edition adds artists' names in English allowing greater access
to this authoritative work; its earlier edition credited as the basis for Chapeller's
important 1987 work.
381 pages, 6 x 8½" soft cover |
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JAPANESE ARMOR, The
Galeno Collection
Ian Bottomley
(1997)
Excellent full color
photography and detailed illustrations together with Bottomly's highly
informative descriptions documents this important collection of Japanese
armor. Many are seen in print for the first time ever in this
text. Included are armor, helmets, mengu (face masks), and
accouterments with each section preceded by a brief overview.
Descriptions of each example not only address age and composition, but
also its rarity and aesthetic. Indexed and supported by a
full glossary.
211 pages, 8¾ x 11" hardcover |
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ARMURES DU JAPON
Robert Burawoy Gallery (1983)
French-language exhibition catalog of 8 complete armors.
8 pages, 11¾ x 16½" softcover |
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ARMES JAPONAISES: Dans les
Collections Privees Françaises
Robert Burawoy (1977)
A well documented French-language exhibit catalog by noted
expert Robert Burawoy. Starts with history, glossary, and a
unique chart of the evolution of armor, swords, and fittings. A
total of 137 exhibits are presented: armor (28), swords (11), and
fittings (97); each piece is shown and described.
Both b/w and color plates support this informative text. A
Japanese-language index is also included.
82 pages, 8¼ x
11½"
soft cover w/dust jacket |
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NIHON KATCHU JITTEN
SASAMA Yoshihiko
Japanese language text on armor. Noted scholar,
Yoshihiko Sasama presents an authoritative history
of Japanese armor and its development. Both complete armor and components are
considered. In all, a highly detailed study with the text drawing on extraordinary
examples and many diagrams and illustrations throughout.
306 pages, 5¼ x 7½"
hardcover w/slipcase |
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JAPAN'S ANCIENT ARMOUR
Hatiro Yamagami (1940)
One of a thirty-one-volume set
intended for English language tourists and printed before the outbreak of war with the US.
Written during a period of strong Japanese nationalism and the revival of interest in
these national treasures, this book details the history of armor from ancient periods
through to the Edo period; accounts for characteristics including those impacted by:
geographical, historical, and racial factors; and finally describes construction and
comments on the makers. Both b/w and color plates, and a glossary support the informative
text.
82 pages, 5¼ x 7¾" soft cover |
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NIPPON KATCHU DAIZUKAN:
An Illustrated Book of Japanese Armor
SASAMA Yoshihiko (1988)
Japanese language text on armor. A thorough survey, the
culmination of Sasama's extensive studies through 1988, with sections spanning the range
of Japanese armor from its earliest periods to modern examples with separate chapters on
kabuto and accouterments. English captioned plates and index allow non-Japanese
readers access to this authoritative work.
774 pages, 10¼ x 14¼" hard cover with
hinged case |
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ECHOES OF THE SAMURAI: An Exhibition
of Japanese Arms & Armor
University Museum, University of Pennsylvania (1982)
Introduction by E.D.Saunders; this text surveys the military equipment of the samurai
while outlining the history of the class. 31 Exhibits illustrated in b&w plates,
these include armor, swords, and fittings.
32 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover |
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KATCHU SHI MEIKAN
SASAMA Yoshihiko (1975)
Japanese language text on armor. The book includes
oshigata of many armor makers' signatures. Each oshigata is accompanied by a b&w
photographic plate of the actual example from which the mei was recorded. Both the
photos and oshigata are interspersed throughout the text's comprehensive listing of armor
makers. This authoritative, seminal text served as the basis for Chapeller's
important 1987 work listed on our armor page.
351 pages, 5¼ x 7½" hardcover |
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IL MUSEO STIBBERT A FIRENZE
H.R.Robinson (1974)
An Italian-language text on Oriental arms & armor.
This rare work by curator and noted authority, Henry Robinson presents the museum's collection in 236 photographic plates. The
collection is comprised of Persian/Indian (106) and Japanese (128) exhibits. Most
plates are in b&w, while all are supported with detailed descriptions; index,
glossary. Limited pinting, signed presentaion copy from the author.
251 pages, 8½ x 10¼" hardcover w/slipcase |
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YORI TO KABUTO
Hachiro YAMAGAMI, et al (1975)
This Japanese language text is a fabulous picture
book from the "Color Books" series; this one on Japanese armor and helmets. Surveys many
important pieces with numerous color and b&w photographs.
152 pages, 4 x 5¾" soft cover |
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CIVILISATION DES SAMURAI
Musee D'Ethnographie De Geneve (1991)
This French language text covers a broad range of arts related to the samurai. 80
Large format color photographs accompanied by descriptive information. Plates 42-72 are of
particular interest to students of arms & armor; includes: 14 fine examples
armor, swords, yanone, naginata and other related items. The balance of the book is
concerned with prints, ningyo, and netsuke.
121 pages, 9½ x 13¼" hardcover, boxed |
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JAPANESE ARMOR - IDENTIFICATION
& VALUES
S.Nomi (1998)
Offering readers an informal assessment of the armor market in Japan's specialty
shops and fairs, this privately publish text is both readable and informative while
providing insight to styles and prices. Though not intended as a substitute for
formal texts or study, the author's candid commentary serves as an effective overview and
is accompanied by extensive examples shown in numerous b&w plates.
85 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover |
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