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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 $110.00 |
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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
$125.00 |
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CUTTING EDGE
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 13th century to the
Meiji era (1868-1912). In 1999 a selection of almost one hundred of the
finest examples were sent to Japan for specialist polishing [and a
special exhibition followed of the] swords and their fittings together
with a small group of paintings and prints on warrior subjects". Each item well documented,
included are 27 color and 320 b&w plates. Arranged
chronologically by school; includes bibliography.
160 pages, 8¾ x 11¼"
hardcover $40.00 |
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THE SWORD AND SAME
H.L.Joly and HOGITARO Inada (r.1979)
This classic reference is a translation of many different early Japanese writings on the
sword. The primary work is a translation of
Arai Hakuseki's
Honcho Gunkiko - volume eight on swords; both the
author and this collection were highly regarded. Joly expands on this important
reference, adding additional articles and illustrations. Also included are
The
Book of Samé and substantial appendices covering a broad range of interesting topics
and information.
248 pages, 7 x 10" hard cover $190.00 |
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NIPPON-TO: THE JAPANESE SWORD
Inami Hakusui (1948)
This long out-of-print book was the first English language reference
written by a noted Japanese polisher/appraiser. Of note are an
assessment of five schools of swordmaking with contrast to shinto
and later blades, and Inami's account of various steps undertaken in
sword polishing. Well supported by b&w illustrations and photos. This is
a classic text acknowledged in the bibliographies of many later works
and belongs on the shelf of all students of the sword.
222 pages, 7½ x 10½" hardcover $185.00 |
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HIZENTO HANDBOOK
EGUCHI Soshin, G. Robson, trans. (2003)
English translation of Hizento Hikke originally published in conjunction with a
major exhibit. Here, with careful translation, an examination of the first
generation Tadayoshi is followed by overview of traits characteristic to the school and the
prolific line of smiths producing blades throughout the shinto and into the shinshinto
eras. Essential, high-level study material made accessible to English-language
readers.
318 pages, 7¼ x 10¼" hard cover $90.00
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THE
SCHOOL OF TADAYOSHI:
SAGA, HIZEN, JAPAN 1598 - 1871
R.J.Robertshaw (1999)
The definitive book on Tadayoshi school and Hizen-to. As the most prestigious school
of swordsmiths whose work spanned the shinto through shin-shinto periods, Robertshaw has
assembled a landmark work that is both concise while broad in scope. This ambitious
text delivers essential content which includes an in-depth history of the individual
smiths as well as exhaustive detail related to kantei. Oshigata of all
recognized Tadayoshi is included along with consideration of gimei - false/fake -examples.
Extensive illustrations: both line drawing, b&w, and color plates;
bibliography, and index.
CD Format -The entire book in CD format. $55.00 |
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YAMATO KAJI NO SAIKAI
NBTHK Token Museum (1999)
A Japanese-language catalog of Yamato masterworks. Although in Japanese, this
presentation offers an excellent record of the swords with depictions of nakago, monouchi,
and sugata of each of the 8 examples shown in beautiful, large format photographs.
34 pages, 8¼ x 11¾" soft cover $38.00 |
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THE NEW
GENERATION OF JAPANESE SWORDSMITHS
TSUCHIKO Tamio (2002)
Twenty notable gendaito smiths define what makes a "fine sword" while
describing their personal aspirations with regards to their art. This insightful
work gives readers unrivaled access to first-hand information on swordmaking theory and
process. A common theme throughout the text is "Restoration". Here
restoration refers to ongoing efforts to emulate classic koto period
masterworks. Beyond biographies, Tsuchiko demonstrates an active community of
artists as each smith is shown interacting with others; examples include polishers,
patrons, and others.
In short, this book presents each smith's understanding of Nihonto as realized
thought a lifetime's immersion in its study and creation. It is an essential text
for all sincere students of the sword - of all periods.
256 pages, 7¾ x 10¼" hardcover $55.00 |
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An Oshigata Book of
Modern Japanese Swordsmiths: 1868-1945
John Slough
(2001)
This much anticipated work addresses the large gap present in sword
scholarship as related to gendai-to - modern Japanese swords of the
Shinshinto, and more specifically, W.W.II era. Includes excellent
oshigata and extensive
documentation. Each smith is referenced to his listing in Hawley's
Japanese Swordsmiths, Toko Taikan, and the Shinto volume
of Nihon Toko Jiten. This
high quality publication is further supported by vintage b&w photos,
period advertisements and exhibition results.
With very few entrants to this specific field of study, this English
language work is a must for those
interested in the study of Gendaito.
272 pages, 8½ x 11" Second printing - identical
contents - hardcover edition $125.00 |
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MODERN JAPANESE SWORDS AND SWORDSMITHS: From 1868 to the Present
Leon & Hiroko Kapp, and Yoshindo
Yoshihara (2002)
From the authors of Crafts of the Japanese Sword comes an
authoritative volume on gendaito
- modern Japanese swords. Following an informative overview
detailing the evolution of the sword of throughout the late 19th
through 20th Century and its role in Japanese society this ambitious
text makes its case for recognizing contemporary works as shin-gendaito.
The designation owing to the developments and aspirations of today's
smiths. As a welcomed addition to the bookshelves of all
students of the Japanese sword it is supported by the masterful
photography of Tom Kishida, author of Yasukuni-tosho.
223 pages, 7½ x 10½" hardcover $45.00 |
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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 $45.00
*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 $69.00 |
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GENDAI TOKO MEIKAN
Ono Tadashi (1971)
One of the very few early references specifically focused on Gendai period swords and
smiths. Includes oshigata and biographical information on over 200 of the top gendai
smiths written in Japanese. While this is a Japanese language text, it is
accompanied by an English index, and has been indexed in the JSS/US Index to Japanese
Sword Literature.
262 pages, 6 x 8½" hardcover + English index $235.00 |
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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 $57.50 |
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JAPANESE SWORD BLADES
Alfred Dobrée (r.1967)
Reprint of 1905 manuscript comprised of a series of essays presented at the Royal
Archaeological Institute (UK). An interesting period text that offers a general
overview on the history of Nihonto, construction, characteristics, kanji, and an appendix
that brings various aspects of the text together toward identifying smiths by listing the
principal characteristics of their work as referenced against charts for shape, kissaki,
boshi, hamon, etc. Supported by numerous b&w plates and charts.
69 pages, 6 x 9¾" soft cover $95.00 |
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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 $27.50 |
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A PRIMER OF
JAPANESE SWORD BLADES
B.W. Robinson (r.1955)
Robinson's period compilation of contemporary and classic sword literature/references.
This concise text offers essential material for sword study. As a clear guide
for classification and identification this texts still holds its own despite the
duplication of its contents in many of the newer texts. Specifically of note is the
45-page listing of swordsmiths adapted from Toko Soran.
95 pages, 6½ x 9½" soft cover $120.00 |
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MEIHIN KATANAEZU SHUSEI
Michihiro Tanobe (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 Sensi (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 14.½" bound folio
with hardcover case, boxed $1275.00 |
KOTO SWORD SCRAPBOOK,
An appraiser's manuscript circa 1550
Possibly a product of the Honami, this text
includes woodblock oshigata & horimono of 80 kaji.
70 pages, 8½ x 11" spiral bound $25.00 |
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SHINTO BENGI OSHIGATA
A collection of shinto swords presented from woodblock oshigata. This text includes many
examples by lesser known smiths. An appendix references each entry to Hawley's Japanese
Swordsmiths.
163 pages, 8½ x 11¼" spiral bound $42.50 |
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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 $150.00
Nihon To
Koza Vol.III:
KOTO Part II
Covers the koto smiths of Omi, Mino, Muttsu, and Dewa on Tosando; Tanba, Tango,
Tajima, Inaba, Hoki, Izumo, and Iwami on the Sanyindo; Harima, Mimasaka, Bitchu, Bingo,
Aki, and Suo on the Sanyodo; Chikugo, Buzen, Bungo, Hizen, Higo, Hyuga, Osumi, and Satsuma
on the Saikaido.
477 pgs., 8½ x 11" hardcover $150.00
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 $150.00
Nihon To
Koza Vol.IV: SHINTO
Covers the period from 1596-1771. The smiths are
presented grouped under the individual kuni from which they came. Unlike the koto period,
the smiths of this era were scattered throughout the country, so there are very few kuni
that are not mentioned in this volume.
374 pages, 8½ x 11" hardcover $225.00
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 $225.00
Nihon To Koza Vol.VI: KODOGU Part I
Primarily concerned with
tsuba, this volume covers iron tsuba, fuchi kashira, and
offers a discussion of the types of kantei of kodogu with comparison of how
tsuba are
viewed in the West. Given the volume of names involved in kodogu, considerable attention
is given to pronunciation and kanji. A 10 page pronunciation guide to 900+
kanji is
included, as is a separate 4 page pamphlet with essential terms for the study of
kodogu.
374 pgs., 8½ x 11" hardcover $150.00 |
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 $40.00 |
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ART AND THE SWORD
ANNUAL BULLETIN OF THE JAPANESE SWORD SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
B.Kowalski and J. McElhinney, editors
ART AND THE SWORD: 1988, Vol. 1
Contains: Hizen by R.B. Caldwell; Hizen-To by C.Lee, J.McElhinney, and B.Kowalski;
Hizen-To Oshigata by J.McElhinney, and B.Kowalski; The Evolution of Bizen-Den by
G.J.Curtis; The development of Bizen Choji by C.A.Bird; Awataguchi Omi-no-Kami Tadatsuna
by N.Ogasawara, and T.Iida.
106 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover $20.00
ART AND THE SWORD: 1989, Vol. 2
Contains: Swords of Owari by Kentaro Yoshikawa;The Yamashiro Tradition of Sword Making by
Kensho Furuya; Benjamin Smith Lyman and the Geological Survey of Japan (1872-1879) by
R.Goodman; Metallurgical and Other Features of Japanese Swords, Given 6 December 1895 by
B.Lyman.
127ages, 6 x 9" soft cover $20.00
ART AND THE SWORD: 1990, Vol. 3
Contains: Owari Tsuba by Wakayama Homatsu; Thoughts Regarding Owari Tsuba as Predecessors
of Akasaka Tsuba by Matsumo Seiji; Shinto Yokoyama Bizen-To by B.Kowalski; Additional
Oshigata for Study of Yokoyama Bizen-To by B.Kowalski; Notes on the Characters Used in
Proper Names from the "Nanori Jibiki" of Taikai Razan.
108 pages, 6 x 9" soft cover $20.00
ART AND THE SWORD: 1991, Vol. 4
Contains: The Characteristics of Kyushu Shinto by Kentaro Yoshikawa; Random Thoughts on
Hizen Swords by Ginsaku Kotaoka.
120 pages, 6 x 9" soft cover $20.00
ART AND THE SWORD: 1995, Volumes 5 & 6
Contains: The Kyoto Shinto Tradition, Kanto Zuikan (Random Thoughts on Example Swords)
Umetada Myoju by Kataoka Ginsaku; Example Blades of the Umetada School by Yoshikawa Koen;
Kanto Zuikan Horikawa Kunihiro by Kataoka Ginsaku; Example Blades of the Horikawa Kunihiro
School by Yoshikawa Koen; The End of the Shogunate and The Swords of Katsumura Norikatsu
by D.Garbutt.
139 pages, 6 x 9" soft cover $20.00
ART AND THE SWORD: 1997, Volume 7
Contains: Kyoto Gokaji Zakkan (Impressions of the Five Smiths of Kyoto) by Yoshikawa Koen;
Kanto Zuikan: The Mishina Den (Random Thoughts on Example Blades) by Kataoka Ginsaku; The
Pioneer (Genso) Tanba no Kami Yoshimichi by Mori Shigetake; Kokoan Katana Banashi
(Speaking of Swords at an Antiquarian Retreat) Personal Opinions on O-Kanemichi and Omi no
Kami by Konno Shigeo; Main Branch Study Meeting Reports: The Mishina School by Yoshikawa
Koen; When did Osaka Tamba no Kami Yoshimichi Shodai Receive His Title? by Han Bing Siong.
114 pages, 6 x 9" soft cover $20.00
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1100 JAPANESE SWORD TERMS, and 400
named blades
W.M.Hawley
A listing of over 1,100 sword related terms in both romanji and kanji all defined in
english. Cross referenced alphabetically and by subject. A welcomed reference for all
students of the sword. The three texts of this series listed below also follow the
same format.
140 pages, 8½ x 11" spiral bound $35.00600
JAPANESE SWORD FITTINGS TERMS
133 pages, 8½ x 11" spiral bound $35.00
150 JAPANESE POLEARM TERMS
27 pages, 8½ x 11" spiral bound $15.00
850 JAPANESE ARMOR TERMS
128 pages, 8½ x 11" spiral bound $35.00 |
THE BLADES OF THE YOSHIMITSU
Yasu Kizu
A listing of the 53 Yoshimitsu smiths and survey of representative characteristics with
oshigata.
17 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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MURAMASA BLADES
Yasu Kizu
Much superstition has surrounded the works of the three generations of Muramasa, and the
evil reputation is perpetuated as sword lore. This history is considered in addition to
the technical issues of characteristics & signatures.
11 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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THE GOBAN KAJI OF EX-EMPEROR GOTOBA
Yasu Kizu
Lists the groups of Imperial Guard smiths and the secret signs that they added to the swords that
they produced.
15 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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THE GREAT MASAMUNE AND OTHER BY THAT
NAME
Yasu Kizu
Primarily concerned with Masamune of Sagami Province, this text also includes the
Yamashiro and Bingo smiths of same name. Distinctive characteristics are explored while
history, oshigata, and genealogy are also listed.
21 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $5.95 |
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BITCHU PROVINCE SWORD GROUPS
Yasu Kizu
Covers history and characteristics of the Aoe smiths: early, middle, and late, and the
Mizuta Kunishige group.
9 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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SWORDSMITHS OF SATSUMA PROVINCE
Yasu Kizu
Details Naminohira blades, and examines the influence of Soshu school on Satsuma sword
production during the shinto and shinshinto eras.
12 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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THE BLADES OF THE KANEMITSU
Yasu Kizu
Lists 42 Kanemitsu smiths, including the famous Bizen Kanemitsu, and surveys
representative characteristics & oshigata.
15 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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THE SWORDSMITHS
SA OF CHIKUZEN PROVINCE
Yasu Kizu
History and evaluation of Sa blades with oshigata examples and a chart of the school's
lineage.
13 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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THE SWORDSMITH
FAMILY OF TSUDA SUKEHIRO
Yasu Kizu
Examines the distinctive work of three generations of Sukehiro smiths.
12 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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THE SWORDSMITHS TADAYOSHI
Yasu Kizu
History and characteristics of three generations of Tadayoshi swordsmiths. Illustrated;
includes oshigata.
16 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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SWORDSMITH
NAGASONE KOTETSU OKISATO
Yasu Kizu
Examines the history and defining characteristics of Kotetsu blades.
12 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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THE AWATAGUCHI
SHINTO SCHOOL OF SWORD MAKING
Blaine Navroth
Covers the history of 19 masters of this school during the shinto period and lists
distinctive characteristics of their work.
5 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover $4.95 |
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SWORDSMITHS OF
THE KAGA PROVINCE IN THE SHINTO ERA
Yasu Kizu
Emphasizes the works of the Darani Katsukuni group and the Kanewaka line as part of a
survey of Kaga smiths active during the shinto era.
12 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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SUISHINSHI MASAHIDE
Yasu Kizu
Characterizes the smiths work & lists the 143 students that followed his tradition.
20 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $5.95 |
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THE SIGNATURES OF NAGANOBU
W.M.Hawley
Lists 83 distinct signatures with translation of terms.
11 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
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MINAMOTO NO
KIYOMARO
Yasu Kizu
Includes history, blade characteristics, oshigata for blades dated 1831-54, and a listing
of notable students.
11 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95 |
SWORDSMITH TAIKEI
NAOTANE
W.M.Hawley, Yasu Kizu
This text covers: characteristics, history, oshigata, a listing of notable
students, and a consideration of gimei blades.
20 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $5.95
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