JAPANESE SWORD
HOMMA Junji (1948)
During Allied Occupation the
National Museum of Japan held an important exhibition of Japanese
Swords. This English-language text provided an overview of the history
of swords in Japan. Be advised that it does not include
photos or oshigata; its illustrations are directed toward sword
nomenclature. What it does include is Homma's excellent and
extensive essay, "Works of Art Made of Steel," which can easily serve
as a basis for serious study.
72 pages, 5 x 7¼" paper hardcover |
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THE
YASUKUNI SWORDS:
RARE
WEAPONS OF JAPAN 1933-1945
Tom Kishida, translated by
Kenji Mishina (2004)
Now published* in a single English language edition; the definitive
reference on the swordsmith group founded in 1933 at the Yasukuni
Shrine by the Japanese War Ministry. The forge produced the tamahagane
required for traditionally made swords while its smiths created some of
the finest example to be made during the period -- many of the blade
reminiscent of earlier masterworks. A very high quality
publication with excellent oshigata and vintage
b&w photos. A must for those interested in Gendaito.
155 pages, 10½" x 7¾" hardcover
*Originally published in Japanese with a separate English translation:
YASUKUNI-TO: TRADITION AND IDEAL BEAUTY
(1998) shown below. |
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YASUKUNI-TO
TRADITION
AND IDEAL BEAUTY
Tom Kishida, translated by
Kenji Mishina (1998)
The definitive reference on the swordsmith group founded in 1933 at the
Yasukuni Shrine by the Japanese War Ministry. The forge produced the
tamahagane required for traditionally made swords while its smiths
created some of the finest example to be made during the period -- many
of the blade reminiscent of earlier masterworks. A very high
quality publication with excellent oshigata and vintage b&w
photos. A separate 145 page English translation of the entire
text is included. A must for those interested in Gendaito.
116 pages, 8¼ x 11½" soft cover
& separate English translation
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RISE AND PROSPERITY OF THE MASTERFUL RAI SCHOOL
OF KYOTO
Sano Museum (1999)
This exhibition catalog surveys the Rai school drawing from private and
public collections. Accessible to non-Japanese readers with its
detailed, 4-page English-language index. Includes 47 blades; each shown
in b&w photograph and traditional oshigata
format. Inscriptions are further detailed in a useful seven page
appendix.
129 pgs, 8¾ x 11¾" soft cover |
MASAMUNE:
A Genius Swordsmith and His Lineage
Sano Art
Museum, Japan (2002)
A Japanese-language catalog of the important exhibition.
Includes 57 swords by 21 different smiths, and 6 pages in English
detailing the blades shown. Exceptional high-quality oshigata
and photographs make this an important reference on the Soshu
School.
169 pages, 8¼ x 11½" soft cover
For an informative overview
see Bob Benson's article in the JSS/US Newsletter
(April 2002). |
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| JAPANESE SWORDSMITHS
Commemorative Centenary Edition
W.Hawley
This is the latest revision of the indispensable English language
reference on Japanese swords. As the largest compilation of
swordsmiths, each listing includes: where and when each smith worked,
how they signed, and the relative value of their swords.
Hawley also indexes listings to oshigata in
Fujishiro's Nihonto Toko Jiten. This Commemorative
Centenary Edition is completely re-photographed with
historical material revamped for easier reference of provinces, time
periods, and terminology.
1,032 pages in 2 volumes, soft cover
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JAPANESE SWORDSMITHS
W.Hawley
(1967, 68)
Hawley's first English language listing of Japanese swordsmiths. Its
initial 1967 volume contained 13,500 names used by 12,000
smiths. With the second volume this was expanded to list
17,000 swordsmiths representing the largest compilation of its
time. Each listing includes: where and when each smith
worked, how they signed, and the relative value of their
swords. Hawley also indexes listings to oshigata
in Fujishiro's Nihonto Toko Jiten. While
including only a limited number of modern smiths as received study in
1960s Japan, this set has the index to the Juyo Token Nado
Zufu (volumes 1-17) that was later omitted from the 1981 and
final printings.
1248 pages in 2 volumes, 5¾ x 8" hardcover |
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JAPANESE SWORDS IN DUTCH COLLECTIONS
Han Bing Siong (2003)
A detailed study of 85 fine blades published in commemoration of the
Netherlands Token Society's (De Netherlandse Token Vereniging)
twenty-fifth anniversary. The selected blades were drawn from
500 examples catalogued by the Society. Extensive commentary
drawing on the author's life's study accompany each work.
With traditional oshigata of each sword plus 18
b&w, and 23 color plates.
224 pages, 8¼ x 11¾" hardcover |
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MEIHIN KATANAEZU SHUSEI
TANOBE
Michihiro
(1999)
This spectacular book sold out of its sole, limited printing of 600
copies well before distribution. This definitive reference of
important swords contains 204 large format examples, with each example
taking up one page with oshigata and photographs. In addition, detail of mei are included, some with
additional comparisons. All oshigata were produced
by Tanobe Michihiro
(NBTHK). The blades are the
finest examples: kokuho, important cultural
property, art object and the like. The book itself is simply beautiful.
Double boxed, the book is tied with tape (ito) and
then stored in a two-fold, cloth covered folio that closes with pegs.
The large format provides unparalleled representation. In all, an
exceptional reference for the serious collector. An English
index is also included.
21½ x 14½"
bound folio with hardcover case, boxed |  |
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JAPANESE
SPEARS
Polearms and their use in Old Japan
Roald & Patricia Knutsen (2004)
Following Knutsen's landmark Japanese Polearms
(1963) is another study of "...the dominant weapons of the battlefield
until displaced by the widespread introduction of firearms in the late
16th century. This fully illustrated study of "naginata"
and "yari" records the many variations of spear
design from the ancient period when warrior chieftains settled in Japan
from the Asian mainland, down to the fall of the Tokugawa in 1868 that
marked the close of the feudal period."
288
pages, hardcover |
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SHINSHINTO TAIKAN
IIMURA Yoshifume (1966)
The authoritative standard on Shinshinto period
swords (includes many gendaito).
Japanese-language text with outstanding, large format oshigata.
887 pages, 8¾ x 11¾" hardcover, slipcase |
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Also
publish were IIMURA's Koto and Shinto
Taikans.
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SHINTO TAIKAN
IIMURA Yoshifume (1976)
The authoritative standard on Shinto period
swords. Japanese-language text with outstanding,
large format oshigata. The oshigata
are accessible to English-readers as Iimura's work has been included in
the JSS/US Index to Literature.
1,650 total pages, 8¾ x 11¾" two hardcover volumes, slipcased |
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NIHONTO JITEN
TOKUNO Kazuo (1973)
From the author of the well known Toko
Taikan (1977), this book bares distinction as its 110 pages of oshigata
of important smiths of the Koto through Gendai
periods has been made accessible to English-language users through the JSS/US' Index of Sword Literature
- a testament of its utility as a tool of study. Further, the
oshigata
here are of higher quality than seen in the 1977 text because of its
larger size. Like the later work, this Japanese-language
reference includes biographical information for each listed smith, and
cites relative Yen values for comparison. Additionally,
included is a separate English-language listing of the oshigata
with index numbers to Hawley's Japanese Swordsmiths shown
above; this index allows the book to stand on its own.
263 pages, 7¼ x 10¼" hardcover
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A COLLECTORS
CHOICES:
ASIAN ART FROM THE COLLECTION OF
DR. WALTER A. COMPTON
Yutaka Mino et al (1983)
Presentation of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, a special exhibit of
115 choice pieces which includes 8 blades, and 19 sword fittings from
the Compton Collection; the remainder comprising paintings, ceramics,
and textiles.
72 pages, 7 x 10" softcover |
KANZAN
SHINTO OSHIGATA DICTIONARY
With
Romanization and English Forward
SATO
Kanzan (2005)
Published in commemoration of the late Dr. Kanzan Sato, this important shinto
reference has been reprinted with its entire contents indexed in
English. Full romanization of inscriptions and descriptive
text are included, fulfilling the scholar's intention of "publish[ing]
a book on swords in English that would be easy for overseas sword
lovers to understand".
502 pages, 9 x 11½" soft cover |
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NIHONTO MEISAKU SHU
Shibata Mitsuo (1965)
This text presents a large collection of Japanese sword masterpieces,
with the an emphasis on Shinto and Shinshinto
works. Beautiful, traditional oshigata of the the
highest quality. Multiple perspectives, including nakago
and monouchi, for each blade are shown. Excellent
study material. Commentary and index in Japanese. A separate
English-language index is also included.
124 pages, 7¼ x 10½" hardcover |
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JUKKEN: Nihon Koto Meisaku Shu
Shibata Mitsuo (1967)
This Japanese-language text presents a large collection of Koto
period masterpieces shown in 130 pages of beautiful, traditional oshigata
of the the highest quality. Multiple perspectives, including nakago
and monouchi, for each blade are shown. Excellent
study material. Commentary and index in Japanese. A separate
English-language index is also included.
136 pages, 7¼ x 10½" hardcover w/slipcase |
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IRON CRAFTSMANSHIP AND
THE WARRIOR SPIRIT
Tokyo National Museum: OGASAWARA Nobuo, editor (1997) Citing
the fiftieth anniversary of its first exhibition to follow World War
II*, the Tokyo National Museum amassed an important exhibition of bujutusu
token that included works borrowed from public and private
collections. With 351 exhibits the presentation surveys the development
of the sword while detailing major schools and periods. The
Japanese-language text is supplemented by a full 22 page, detailed
English index with essays interspersed.
378 pgs, 8¾ x 11¾" soft cover |
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TOKEN TOSOGU,
TOKUGAWA BIJUTSUKAN ZOHIN SHO 6 -
Swords and Accessories, Treasures from the Tokugawa Art Museum No. 6
Tokugawa Art Museum (1992)
A collection catalog. The 180 examples presented include many important
blades primarily of Juyo to National
Treasure status (89 pages of oshigata),
sword fittings and koshirae, and many daisho.
High quality photography throughout and printing on gloss stock -- all
exhibits are shown in color with the exception of the blades which are
shown in b&w as is traditional. The unprecedented collection of
highest quality works includes a complete, 10-page English-language
index of exhibits affording access to non-Japanese readers.
197 pages, 8½ x 10½" soft cover |
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MEITO
ZUIKAN - CATALOG OF FINE SWORDS
FUJISHIRO Yoshio &
Matsuo (Published 1978 - 1993)
This complete twenty-eight volume collection accompanied by a separate
English translation and index presents detailed oshigata
with scholarly descriptions. Each journal includes ten
studies; important swords spanning Koto through Shinshinto
periods. Images printed on gloss stock for maximum clarity.
280+ pages, 7½ x 10½" journals retained between printed, cloth boards/
plus separate 280+ page English translation |
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日
本刀工辞典
NIHON TOKO JITEN
FUJISHIRO Matsuo (r.1964)
The classics Japanese-language sword reference. This
reference set includes detailed oshigata and
information of the most important smiths of the Koto
and Shinto periods. Long
considered essential texts, Fujishiro's rankings are a common reference
of collectors and scholars alike, and serves as one of the key texts
cited in Hawley's
Japanese Swordsmiths. Included separately is Fujishiro's
English-language index promoting accessibility for non-Japanese readers. A two volume set: Koto
and Shinto.
Two 6¼ x 8¾" hardcover volumes |
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NIHON TOKO JITEN -
English Translation
A full English translation of
Fujishiro's classic with additional supporting material. Here
the English reader is offered an opportunity for study as presented in
no other text. Fujishiro's Nihon Toko Jiten is
made fully accessible when supplemented by this English translation; an
important tool for study and obvious value to serious collectors. A two volume set: Koto
and Shinto.
Two 8¼ x
11" hardcover volumes |
昭和大名刀図譜
SHOWA
DAI-MEITO ZUFU -
Great Masterpieces of Japanese Art Swords
(HOMMA Junji, 1979/82)
The authoritative two-volume presentation of 313 meito
- masterpieces as could only be assembled in Japan. Included is the
third volume, its English translation which was printed in limited
quantity.
780 total pages in three volumes, 10½
x 14½" hardcover, with slip case(s) |
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KANESADA AND KANEMOTO
Mino-To of the Sengoku Jidai
Gifu City Museum of History, Japan (2008)
Famed for their extreme sharpness; their works are rated o-wazamono.
This Japanese-language catalog details all 39 exhibited blades with
detailed photography followed by an illustrated glossary of kantei-points
and signatures. An important and welcomed reference on two
mainline Mino schools.
80 pages, 7½ x 11½" soft cover
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SEIKADO MEITO
HYAKU SEN
100 Masterpeices from the Seikado Bunko Art Museum (1992)
Exceptional documentation of the Seikado Bunko Art Museum's important
collection of nihonto. Prefaced by six
fine koshirae and four tsuba,
the one-hundred nihonto exhibits are expertly
recorded with both traditional oshigata and
photographs of sugata, nakago, and monouchi.
Readily accessible to non-Japanese readers; it includes a six-page,
English-language index that noting: attribution, transcription of mei
in romanji, school, period, province and length.
237 pgs., 8½ x 12" hardcover with slipcase |
SWORDS OF THE SAMURAI
V. Harris, N. Ogasawara (1990)
Documents
an important loan exhibition from Japan of Japanese swords to the
British Museum. In cooperation with the Asahi
Shimbun presented are 142 exhibits spanning the Kofun
though Edo periods. Photographs of each
exhibit are accompanied by extensive documentation with each period
also preceded by a scholarly overview of historical and developmental
changes resulting in the evolution of the sword and its related
arts. Includes an index of smiths and complete glossary of
terms.
176 pages,
8½ x 11¼" soft cover |
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THE JAPANESE SWORD, The
Soul of the Samurai
Gregory Irvine (2000)
Drawing primarily from the
collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum (UK), this book
presents an 'illustrated survey [that] examines the development of the
Japanese sword in a social and historical context'. The
unique perspective of the text is well supported by high quality
photographs of swords, mountings, and prints throughout.
Photos are in color with the exception of sword blades as is
traditional. A beautiful work that belongs on the shelf of
every enthusiast.
128 pages, 8¾ x 10" hardcover |
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1979 BULLETIN:
The Annual Publication of the
JSS/US
JSS/US, R.Hartman,
Editor (1976)
Contains: Ko-tosho and Ko-katchuishi Tsuba, Japanese Matchlocks,
Torigoye's Introduction to Japanese Metalworks, Christie's Auction
(6/79) report with 13 important oshigata, '79 Taikai Report,
Explanation of Origami (certificates), and other articles.
80 pages, 8½ x10¾" soft cover |
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1980-1981 BULLETIN:
The Annual Publication of the
JSS/US
JSS/US, R.Hartman,
Editor (1982)
Contains: Ozawa Masatoshi - Master Swordsmith, A Brief History of
Japanese Sword Fittings, An Extremely Rare Blade by Shodai
Izumi-no-Kami Rai Kinmichi, Modern Tsuba-Ko in America, Characteristics
of the Oei Bizen Sword, The Hidden Spirit of a Fine Koshirae, On the
Study of Japanese Swords (Footnotes).
69 pages, 8½ x10¾" soft cover |
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION:
JAPANESE ARMS & ARMOR
Tokyo National Museum (1976)
An exceptional exhibit catalog, nearly 600 pieces are included and span
the range of samurai arms & armor. The collection
represents important, top level works as could only be assembled in
Japan. The entire collection is shown in 16 pages of color
plates, and 222 pages of b&w plates. It is perhaps
one of the most important collections ever assembled. The
Japanese-language text is supplemented by a full 33 page, detailed
English index.
346 pages, 7 x 10" soft cover |
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PIERRES
ET SABRES:
STONES AND SWORDS - The Restoration of Japanese Art Sword Blades
Laurent Milhau (1999)
With full
text in both French and English, Milhau demonstrates the art and
complexity of sword polishing. For those fascinated by
The Crafts of the Japanese Sword,
this text furthers the examination of the togishi
- sword polisher's - art. With color photographs and detailed
descriptions of each stage of the polishing process, this is the only
text of its kind for delivering an understanding of both the mechanics
and theory of art sword polishing.
96 pages, 8¾ x 11¼"
hardcover |
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SAMURAI:
THE WARRIOR CLASS OF JAPAN
Barry Till (2003)
The
history as told through arms, armor, prints and a host of other objects
celebrating the samurai. This extensive
exhibit catalog present the subject with a combination of color and
b&w plates each well documented and supported by a historical
survey in both English and French. Includes glossary and
bibliography. Printed in limited edition of 2000 copies.
96 pages, 6 x 9" soft
cover |
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KOTO SHINTO MEIHIN SHU
NBTHK (1976)
"Koto
and Shinto Masterpieces," Japanese-language text presenting
158 exceptional blades of the koto and shinto
periods along with period koshirae(19) and sword
fittings(49).
187 pages, 8¾ x 12¼" hardcover with slipcase |
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WAGA KYODO TO
IIDA Kazuo (1973)
A Japanese-language text with examples of swords produced throughout
Japan demonstrating wakimono - "country smith
work" that does not conform neatly to the Gokaden,
or five classical traditions. Numerous oshigata
throughout.
238 pages, 5¼ x 7½" hard cover
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IMPORTANT
JAPANESE AND CHINESE ART FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE MANNO ART MUSEUM
(21 June 2001, London)
Christie's auction, includes 36 lots of Japanese arms and armor
including 4 Juyo Bijutsuhin (Important Art Objects
protected from export) and several ju-to; each lot
extensively documented.
85 pages, 8¼ x 10½" soft cover |
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SHIN
NIHONTO KANTEI NYUMON
YUICHI Hiro & KAZUO
Iida
Offered together are New Introduction to the Kantei of
Japanese Swords and its English translation.
This is truly a textbook on the process of kantei
nyusatsu and with the
accompanying translation the English reader is offered an opportunity
for study as presented in no other text. Highlights of its
contents includes sections on reading signatures, distinguishing
counterfeit signatures, and finally 61 test examples on which to test
your kantei skills complete with explanations.
Clearly an important tool of study, and with its separate
English translation an accessible tool of obvious value to serious
collectors.
Two books:
387 pages, 5 x 7¼ soft cover Japanese text, and 173 pages, 8½
x 11" hardcover English translation |
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SWORDS OF IMPERIAL JAPAN:
1868-1945
J.Dawson (1996)
The reference guide for the identification of Japanese Government,
civilian, and foreign service swords as well. This text utilized
uniform regulations from the Japanese National Archives for
identifications, and includes detailed text, photographs, and charts.
158 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover |
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SAMURAI:
THE WARRIOR CLASS OF JAPAN
Barry Till (2003)
The history as told through arms, armor,
prints and a host of other objects celebrating the samurai.
This extensive exhibit catalog present the subject with a combination
of color and b&w plates each well documented and supported by a
historical survey in both English and French. Includes
glossary and bibliography. Printed in limited edition of 2000
copies.
96
pages, 6 x 9" soft cover |
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THE JAPANESE SWORD Q
& A BOOK
W.Trevino
(1978)
This limited-run printing offers a western collector's perspective on
the field of Japanese sword collecting. Alternatively titled,
"Some of the things you always wanted to know about Japanese swords but
didn't know who to ask," the book proceeds as a response to many
questions asked of the author by persons new to the field.
Addressed are questions on: cleaning, restoration, sword
polishing, mountings, and general guideline on buying &
selling. English-language.
130
pages, 5½ x 8½" softcover |
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Nihon To Koza
AFU: H.A.Watson, translator
The Nihon To Koza was first published in Japan in the mid-thirties as a
series of 20 plus volumes, then re-edited and re-issued in the late
sixties in the form of a ten volume hardbound set. This series has been
translated to English and includes all of the pictures and captions
from the Japanese version. The translated volumes are 8½ x 11 inches,
hardbound, indexed, included a glossary, and run approximately 500
pages each. The current translated set consists of 3 Koto volumes, a
Shinto volume, a Shinshinto volume, and a volume on kodogu. |
Pictured
here, the complete translated set of the Nihon To Koza.
Detail and price for each volume is listed below.
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Nihon To Koza Vol.II: KOTO Part I
Covers
the koto smiths of the Kinai, Tokaido, and Tohoku Regions.
Specifically, this is Yamashiro, Settsu, Izumi, Kawachi, and Yamato in
the Kinai; Iga, Ise, Shima, Owari, Mikawa, Totomi, Suruga, Kai, Izu,
Sagami (Soshu), Shimofusa, and Hitachi on the Tokaido; and Wakasa,
Echizen, Etchu, Echigo, and Kaga on the Hokurikudo.
488 pgs., 8½ x 11" hardcover
Nihon
To Koza Vol.IX: KOTO Part III
Covers the koto
smiths of Bizen, Chikuzen, Nagato, and the Nankaido, which is the four kuni
of Iyo, Sanuki, Tosa and Shikoku, and also includes Kii and Awaji. The
majority of this text is devoted to Bizen, the province from which it
is said that approximately ¼ of all existing koto
blades originated.
510 pages, 8½ x 11" hardcover
Nihon To Koza Vol.V:
SHINSHINTO
Covers the period from
1772-1925; this information was not contained in the original
publication, as Shinshinto blades were generally
not in high regard in Japan during the 1930s. The major schools or
groups of the period are discussed, as is the influence of certain
personages that emerged during that time. Connections between the Gokaden
and major shinshinto artists are considered. Gimei,
or false signatures, are also considered.
452 pgs., 8½ x 11" hardcover
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TOKEN
KANTEI DOKUHON and its
full ENGLISH
TRANSLATION as published by the Token Society
of Great Britain
Nagayama Kokan(1979), 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 numerous b&w illustrations throughout.
Japanese Text: 383 pages, 5¼x7¾" cloth cover with slipcase
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SHINTO
TAIKAN
IIMURA Yoshifume (1976)
The authoritative standard on Shinto period swords.
Japanese-language text with outstanding, large format
oshigata. The oshigata are accessible to English-readers as
Iimura's work has been included in the JSS/US Index to
Literature.
1,650 total pages, 8¾ x 11¾" two hardcover volumes, slipcased |
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YOSHINDO YOSHIHARA 
and THE YOSHIHARA TRADITION
San Rafael
Token Benkyo Kai: L. Kapp, Editor (2005)
Sixty-eight examples are presented in this catalog prepared in
anticipation of the important 2005 Pacific Asia Museum exhibit, and the
recognition of Yoshindo Yoshihara as Important Intangible Cultural
Property of Tokyo. Includes essays, genealogy, diagrams, glossary, 74
black & white, and 14 color plates. This privately published
catalog was a limited printing of 1000 copies.
72 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover |
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TOKEN TOSOGU:
Treasures from the Tokugawa Art Museum
Tokugawa Art Museum (1998, expanded/revised edition)
Catalog
of the Tokugawa Art Museum collection. The 240 examples
present important blades primarily of Juyo to National Treasure class
status (88 pages of oshigata), sword fittings, and koshirae (full
mounting) to include many daisho. Spectacular photography
throughout and printing on gloss stock -- all exhibits are shown in
color with the exception of the blades which are shown in b&w
as is traditional. This unprecedented collection of highest quality
works includes a complete English-language index of exhibits along with
descriptions making the content accessible to non-Japanese readers.
267 pages, 8½ x 10½" hardcover |
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TOKO TAIKAN
TOKUNO Kazuo (1977)
Another classics Japanese-language sword reference;
this well know handbook is often seen at the side of many collectors on
the prowl. It includes biographical information of the most
important smiths of the Koto through Gendai
periods and cites Yen values for
comparison. The key feature of this text that sets it apart
from other works is that it also includes thousands of
oshigata for quick
reference. This
exact edition was used for Hawley's Japanese
Swordsmiths references to Tokuno's oshigata.
794 pages, 5¼ x 8½" hardcover |
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NIHONTO NYUMON
SHIBATA Mitsuo (1967)
Japanese-language handbook on
swords. This text is packed with oshigata (rubbings of sword
tangs with signatures) and informative illustrations. Many
examples of signature details also included for comparison.
This is the complement to a series of works by Shibata on a range of
related topics.
254 pages, 5¼ x 7½" hardcover w/dust jacket & plastic cover |
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TOKO
MINOMOTO KIYOMARO (1964)
A Japanese-language reference on shinshinto smith
Minomoto (no) Kiyomaro. Includes 11 pages of oshigata
and extensive text.
432 pages, 5¼ x 7½" hardcover
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NIHONTO NO KAIKATA
Japanese-language handbook on swords. This informative text
was prepared as a "buyer's guide" for Japanese swords. The
first 65 pages illustrate an array of exemplary swords in the fashion
of Fujishiro's Nihon Toko Jiten, these are
presented on high quality gloss-stock. Many
additional oshigata and informative illustrations follow throughout the
ballance of the text.
290 pages, 6 x 7½" hardcover w/dust jacket |
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SABRES DU JAPON
Robert Burawoy Gallery (1993)
A uniquely designed exhibition
catalog of Japanese swords and koshirae that
makes use of its format to present stunning, large scale photography
and oshigata on pages that fold out to 13¾ x 19½ when opened.
French-language; includes glossary and bibliography of suggested
reading. Limited edition of 600 copies.
26
pages, 4½ x 19½" softcover |
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JAPANESE MILITARY AND CIVIL SWORDS AND DIRKS
R.Fuller, R.Gregory (1996)
A history and comprehensive reference on Japanese edged weapons in
military service. Though not a collection of oshigata,
it provides the most current information on swords of the period
including: a reappraisal of arsenal and retailer's stamps, and an
expanded classification of blade-making methods in order of merit.
288 pages, 7¾ x 10" hardcover
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TOKEN YORAN
Iimura Yoshiaki
A Japanese language handbook that covers many aspects of swords,
including gendaito, and kodogu.
The AFU Quarterly (Fall #3) featured an extensive
article with an index to aid non-Japanese readers in using this text.
761 pgs, 4½ x 6" cloth soft cover |
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SWORDS & SWORD SMITHS OF BIZEN PROVINCE
Frederick Fimio (2001)
This book represents the only comprehensive work of its type in English
- a source book on Bizen swords produced during the Koto through Gendai
periods that draws on many scholarly references such as: Fujishiro's Nihon
Toko Jiten, NBTHK journals, the Nihonto
Koza, Hawley's Japanese Swordsmiths,
and many other well known titles. Starting with
an overview of the history and development of the swords produced in
the region, an extensive glossary, diagrams and twenty-three plates of
oshigata, the book's final synthesis is a 185-page annotated listing of
Bizen smiths that references back to the above, previously listed texts
and others while also adding the author's insight gained in 50-years
collecting experience during which time Bizen works had become the
focus of his studies. A helpful work for all students of
Bizen-to. Limited
printing of only 200 copies.
271 pages, 8¼ x 10¾" soft cover |
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JAPANESE SWORDS
& FITTINGS IN THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
George Trotter (1989)
This text catalogs the museum's holdings with photographs and
descriptions provided for each piece. Swords are shown along
with their koshirae. The contents run a
broad range from mass-produced Showa period items
to also include many earlier works. A historical
overview, index of artists, and glossary are also provided.
131 pages, 8¼ x 11½" soft cover |
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JAPANESE SWORDS
& FITTINGS IN THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
George Trotter (2002)
This text catalogs the museum's holdings with photographs and
descriptions provided for each piece. Swords are shown along
with their koshirae. The contents run a
broad range from mass-produced Showa period items
to also include many earlier works. 18 Color plates followed
by numerous b&w plates as shown here. A historical
overview, index of artists, table on Nengo
dates, and glossary are also provided.
131 pages, 8¼ x 11½" soft cover |
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JAPANESE
MILITARY
SWORDS
R.Gregory (1971)
Predating joint efforts with Fuller, Gregory's monograph represents one
of the earliest western surveys on war period swords. This
seminal work includes a historical overview followed by a brief list of
mon, 19 pages of oshigata,
line drawings and photographs of koshirae and
tassles and sundries. A numbered collector's book.
57 pages, 6 x 8½" soft cover |
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SWORDSMITHS OF JAPAN:
1926-1945
R.Fuller, R.Gregory (1983)
One of very few oshigata references to consider blades produced during
the Showa period. The follow up to A Guide to
Showa Swordsmiths (1978), this is the largest of their three
oshigata books. In addition to its 280 oshigata, this edition
includes complete indexes for both texts. All listings are in
alphabetical order based on English spellings with the addition of
Japanese characters; this later feature did not appear in the earlier
work. The majority of listings also include notations
regarding location, dates, and biographical notes or commentary on
smiths' work.
275 pages, 5¾ x 8¼" soft cover |
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THE OSHIGATA BOOK
R.Fuller, R.Gregory (1985)
Subtitled, 'unusual, rare, and interesting oshigata
from Japanese sword blades of all periods.' This reference
text delivers an excellent collection of oshigata
categorized into variations on the conventional practices of name,
place, date to instead address examples of special order,
presentation, and tameshigiri
(cutting-test) inscriptions to name a few of the categories.
Examples are shown with full English and Japanese translations.
144 pages, 5¾ x 8¼" soft cover |
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THE PROCESS OF KANTEI:
STUDY, APPRAISAL, AND ATTRIBUTION OF NIHON-TO
B.W.Kowalski
This text overviews the criteria for sword evaluation. The appendix has
an excellent outline of the evolution of shape as it relates to
distinct periods, and also includes illustrations from the NTHK novice
course to demonstrate hamon variation and activity
found within, while also establishing a reference of classic styles by den.
18 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover |
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DAS SCHWERT DES SAMURAI
Lydia
Icke-Schwalbe (r.1990)
German-language
introductory text on swords and kodogu (fittings). The first section is text followed by 46 pages of plates in color and
b&w. The text addresses general history and nomenclature. Detailed
descriptions are included for each piece pictured.
95 pages, 7¾ x 8¾" hardcover |
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WAKIZASHI NO MIRYO KU
SHIBATA Mitsuo (1968)
This Japanese language text
is unique for its focus on wakizashi. It offers 128 pages of
photographic plates showing oshigata examples: nakago, full, and
detail.
237 pages, 4¼ x 7" hardcover |
 |
TOSHO
ZENSHU
Shimizu Osamu (1988)
A Japanese-language reference ranking 20,000 swordsmiths of the Koto
through Gendai periods. Similar to Hawley's Japanese Swordsmiths,
the sections on koto, shinto, shinshinto, and gendaito smiths note
where and when each smith worked, how they signed, and the relative
quality of their works. Additionally, the text is supported
by 17 pages of kokuho shown in b&w plates and an appendix
spanning a wide range of relevant study concerns.
714 pages, 6 x 8½" vinyl soft cover w/dust jacket, boxed |
 |
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: 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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INDEX
OF JAPANESE SWORD LITERATURE
G.Doffin
A listing of sword smiths
indexed to the major references: Fujishiro, Ono, Sato, Suzuki, Tokuno,
Nihonto-Koza, Compton, and many others. This important reference allows
readers to locate source material for research.
177 pgs., 8½ x 11" spiral bound |
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NIHONTO NO KANTEI TO KANSHO
Hideaki TSUNEISHI (r.1990)
Japanese-language manual for sword appreciation and
appraisal. Includes oshigata, diagrams, details on
smiths/schools, historical data, fold-out chart and index in Japanese.
341
pages, 5 x 7¼" soft cover w/dust jacket |
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION OF DR. W. A.
COMPTON'S JAPANESE SWORD COLLECTION
Japanese language text with
English language forward. A very special and rare exhibit
catalog of the best of the collection as presented in Japan.
High quality, large-format detail photographs offer excellent research
material on these important pieces. All of the Compton books
are highly collectable. Here is an obscure offering to make
your Compton collection reference library complete.
24 pages, 8¼ x 11½" stiff Japanese paper cover |
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