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 |
 |
THE MANUFACTURE OF ARMOUR & HELMETS IN
16th CENTURY JAPAN
KOZAN Sakakibara (1963)
This translation of Kozan's original 1800 text covers the evolution of armor while
looking to what it defines as best examples. From the start the author cites current
samurai as in a deplorable state lacking essential martial temperament and knowledge.
The author's detailed descriptions of the making of the various parts of an armor
and his authoritative criticism of the many different styles being used in his time make
this a first-hand account of unequaled importance; well supported by 41 illustrations and
34 plates.
156 pages, 7¼ x 10" hardcover |
 |
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 |
 |
|
THE ARMOUR BOOK IN
HONCHO-GUNKIKO
Arai Hakuseki (1964)
This is the armor complement to
The Sword and
Samé as both are translations from the Honcho-Gunkiko, an influential
early reference of Japanese military arms and equipment. The original work was
responsible for the revival of classical construction in armor between 1750 and
1860. In short, this is an important book that both details armor and was written
specifically for a samurai audience. This edition is accompanied by 38 plates and 44
illustrations.
132 pages, 7½ x 10" hardcover |
 |
ARMURES DU JAPON
Robert Burawoy Gallery (1983)
French-language exhibition catalog of 8 complete armors.
8 pages, 11¾ x 16½" softcover |
 |
|
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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. Signed by the author.
284 pages, 8¼ x 11¼" soft cover |
 |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
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 |
 |
|
|
