Check also the many online book dealers which sell both inprint and outofprint books on japanese swords. Trevino 1978 this limitedrun printing offers a western collectors perspective on the field of japanese sword collecting. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords by nakayama kokan. Best books about the japanese sword, the katana on amazon. Although i liked it, and started the second book of swords, i just couldnt get into it any further and stopped reading. This book discusses the history, development, and spiritual symbolism of the sword, as well as the esoteric metallurgical techniques used in making it. Jim dawson this is the most comprehensive book on japanese swords of the imperial japan era. Thanks to the many people who have contributed to this site and to the study of japanese. These katanas are truly inspired and unique with always evolving forging processes to create blades with blue damascus steel, hellfyre damascus and claytempered t10 high carbon steel. The air of mystique and marvel which surround this artifacts date back to the 1500s. The book does start with a brief history of japanese swords,blade description,sword appreciation, and a little about sword furniture. Tons of great books, many of them important references, and more coming in all the time. See my many other japanese sword books from the same. The story revolves around the twelve swords of power, which were forged by the gods and given to humanity, and how various characters acquire and use them.
Without going too much into history, its enough to say the priorities of making new japanese swords for sale have changed over time. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. However, it is important to remember that with swords dated prior. Japanese soldiers took their family swords to battle with them, in very much the same way the shogun did hundreds of years before. Book description when, in 1877, the government prohibited the samurai from wearing any longer the two swords which had been the privilege and distinctive mark of their martial caste, the imperial when the japanese government prohibited the wearing of swords, the wish was obeyed, notwithstanding the feeling that something was snapping in the life of the nation. Pdf japanese swords download full pdf book download.
Japanese cultural asset, and with many of the definitive books on the subject still untranslated, a wealth of information has in the past been inaccessible to the non japanese reader. 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 th century to the meiji era 18681912. Original ww ii japanese edged weapons for sale ebay. May 27, 2017 this rather fluid disparity in japanese and western dates should be taken into account when reading the archaic date inscriptions on the tangs of japanese swords. Before we take a look at all the replicas of authentic japanese swords currently available these days, you might want to brush up on the history of samurai swords or spend a little time trying to wrap your head around the basic samurai sword terminology. Hardbound, 5 34 x 8 14, 756 pages total in english. 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. There are many types of japanese swords that differ by size, shape, field of application and. Anyone having an interest in wwii japanese swords or simply japanese swords in general should buy this book. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords by kokan nagayama. One 1 japanese sword reference book japanese swords of the bizen tradition swords in north american collections. The affordable antique japanese swords for sale on ebay represent the pinnacle of swordsmithing.
From the foreword by clive sinclaire chairman of the token society of great britain. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords 9784770020710 by nagayama, kokan and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. European influence on japanese swordfittings, 15431853. Swords have been made from as early as the kofun period, though most people generally refer to the curved blades made after the heian period when speaking of japanese swords. Japanese sword reference book japanese swords of the bizen. For those wwii collectors interested in purchasing the real deal at military shows, flea markets or online it is critical to have the information in this book to avoid cheap fake swords being produced in china currently and aged to appear real then put on ebay and other online. Those marked with a are excellent books for those beginning the study of nihonto. The centerpiece of this book, however, is a detailed examination of over a dozen of japans most revered blades, including the kanehira and the dojigiri by yasutsuna, perhaps the two finest swords in japan and as clear and beautiful today as when they were forged some 900 years ago. Japanese katanas handmade katanas, custom swords, full. Recently japanese swords have gained enormous popularity as art objects with collectors and enthusiasts around the world, but until now much of the most detailed information on the subject has been availability only in japanese. Includes oshigata, pictures, biographical details, and yen values. The date of manufacture had often been inscribed on the tang nakago since at least the kamakura period 118432. These swords are a unique combination of japanese swordmaking and western influence.
The connoisseurs book of japanese swords ebooks free. Download the information from the nbthk american branch website at. If you love history and culture, youll love this list. These links lead to pages on amazon that provide a. The encyclopedia of japanese swords is an az general encyclopedia covering each and every part of the sword. Guide to imperial japanese military and civil swords a. Further, this encyclopedia also explains the literal or etymological meaning of each japanese term and provides an even deeper insight into the subject.
For those serious in their studies of the japanese sword, this book simply needs to be on the shelf. Handmade swords always show a visible grain, or hada, in the steel of the blade. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords kokan nagayama. If youre interested in learning more about japanese. This comprehensive guide to the appreciation and appraisal of the blades of japanese swords provides, at last, all the background that readers. The katana, or samurai sword, is a work of art as well as a weapon. The first book of swords 1983 the second book of swords 1983 the third book of swords 1984 books of lost swords. Many people consider them one of the finest examples of artistry in steel. This site is dedicated to the study, appreciation and preservation of japanese swords nihonto. Essential books on japanese swords and culture unique japan. More editions of hawleys japanese swordsmiths commemorative centenary edition, two volume set. We are not announcing a reopening date at this time and will provide updates on a regular and asneeded basis. The book of swords series is a series of science fictionfantasy novels written by fred saberhagen.
The connoisseurs book of japanese swords 9781568365817. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords will be of great help in making educated judgments at. Encyclopedia of japanese swords paperback by markus sesko. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords by kokan nagayama other tips for learning. Buy the connoisseurs book of japanese swords reprinted by kokan nagayama isbn. First published in 19, this book contains a fascinating treatise on japanese swords, in particular the katana, wakizashi, and tachi.
Here is a growing list of books on japanese sword and japanese culture that are recommended reads. It also covers the difficult training practices used by skilled swordsmen. The hamon on these swords is up there with the best samurai swords anywhere in the world, i showed the pictures to some japanese sword friends without telling them where the swords were made and they thought they were real shinken made in japan one even thought he knew the smith. The series spans several decades and features dozens of characters. Appraising a japanese sword will generally focus on certain areas of the piece. Check also the many online book dealers which sell both inprint and out of print books on japanese swords. The samurai sword by john yumoto classic starter book this is the book that started most of us on our journey studying japanese swords. It is these that will ultimately tell you the true value of a sword. Thanks to the many people who have contributed to this site and to the study of japanese swords. Samurai swords our hand picked selection of japanese styled swords are primarily geared towards providing serviceable martial arts grade swords for experienced backyard cutters and martial artists. The katana a japanese sword used by the ancient samurai is a small piece of their culture. Japanese swords featuring masterpieces both young and old, our extensive range of japanese sword books will give you the edge in appreciating historical and modern nihonto.
Japanese swords have been made for over a thousand years. Japanese katanas handmade katanas, custom swords, fulltang. Many of these swords made their way into the united states when gis brought them as war souvenirs at the end of wwii. Japanese samuari sword books and videos nihonto taikan. Every sword is fully functional, from basic entry level to high end art swords. It is a must have book for collectors of ww2 japanese swords. Woundhealers story 1986 sightblinders story 1987 stonecutters story 1988 farslayers story 1989 coinspinners story 1989 mindswords story 1990 wayfinders story 1992 shieldbreakers story 1994. Hawleys 1st to attempt a list of all japanese swordsmiths through history. Japanese sword reference book japanese swords of the. An omnibus of the first three book of swords novels.
The most common type of sword that was issued was the katana, which was machinemade and has engravings to hide its flaws. From the foreword by clive sinclaire chairman of the token society of great britain enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the. All smithsonian museums and smithsonian libraries locations continue to be closed to support the effort to contain the spread of covid19. This feature comes from the method of folding used to forge authentic japanese swords. Hawley paperback reprint edition december 1986 hawley pubns. The new book, guide to the identification of imperial japanese military and civil swords, takes you through the history of the swords used and made in japan from 1873 to 1945. Many japanese swords were standardissue swords that were given to the army and navy officers. If youre interested in learning more about japanese swords, this video will tell you where to start. The connoisseurs book of japanese swords by kokan nagayama, kenji mishina translator hardcover 256 pages march kodansha international. Check with your book store or library and books in print for details of publisher, price, etc. Some of the books listed below are now outofprint and can only be found through specialty book stores. Whether youre a martial artist studying swordsmanship or a collector looking to add a true jewel to your wall, you cant go wrong with an antique katana.
Hawleys japanese swordsmiths commemorative centenary edition, two volume set. Read the first book of swords as part of my high fantasy month on my blog. This book was originally written in japanese as token kantei dokuhon. Swords of imperial japan 18681945 hardcover cyclopedia edition by.
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