Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths

Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths
Author: Leon Kapp
Publisher: Kodansha International
Total Pages: 244
Release: 2002
Genre: Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN: 9784770019622

A comprehensive overview of the major events in the history of the contemporary Japanese sword and the work of many of the best smiths active today.

Genealogies and Schools of Japanese Swordsmiths

Genealogies and Schools of Japanese Swordsmiths
Author: Markus Sesko
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 126
Release: 2010
Genre:
ISBN: 3839183472

My aim with this publication is to make the major genealogies of Japanese swordsmiths and their schools from the kotô to the shintô and shinshintô periods easily accessible to the Western reader, namely in that they are complete and have been revised for the first time, in a single book. The publication begins with a brief introduction to the history of Japanese sword literature. Ziel dieser Publikation ist es, dem westlichen Leser die Stammbäume japanischer Schmiede und deren Schulen von der kotô- über die shintô- bis zur shinshintô-Periode erstmals gesammelt und revidiert zugänglich zu machen. Diese Publikation beinhaltet zudem eine kurze Einführung in die Geschichte der japanischen Schwertliteratur.

Samurai Sword

Samurai Sword
Author: John M. Yumoto
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2013-01-08
Genre: Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN: 1462907067

The samurai sword: a symbol of the spirit of old Japan, it embodies the samurai's steel discipline, unswerving devotion and peerless skill. With its creation, a feat of craftsmanship passed down by generations of artisans, the samurai sword is generally considered to be superior even to the famed blades of Western Damascus and Toledo. The Samurai Sword Handbook is a precise exploration of the samurai sword designed for sword collectors as well as anyone intrigued by these ancient blades. Detailing the origins and development of the samurai sword, its historical background, styles, famous schools and differences in construction, this revised edition of the classic reference outlines methods of identifying and researching the sword, as well as caring for it properly. This must-have for sword lovers is sure to be a bestseller. Topics of this Samurai book include: Japanese History and the Samurai Sword Types of swords Parts of the sword Blade shape, construction, and grain The making of the sword Inscriptions and their readings Care and maintenance Appraisal and value Relative point values

The Craft of the Japanese Sword

The Craft of the Japanese Sword
Author: Leon Kapp
Publisher: Kodansha International
Total Pages: 176
Release: 1987
Genre: Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN: 9780870117985

From raw steel to tempered blade, this text presents a visual account of thencient craft of swordmaking as practiced in modern Japan.

The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords

The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords
Author: Kōkan Nagayama
Publisher: Kodansha International
Total Pages: 384
Release: 1997
Genre: Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN: 9784770020710

Connoisseur's Book Japanese Swords is a Kodansha International publication.

Index of Japanese Swordsmiths A-M

Index of Japanese Swordsmiths A-M
Author: Markus Sesko
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 446
Release: 2012
Genre: Swordsmiths
ISBN: 3848202506

"This index contains a comprehensive listing of more than 20,000 Japanese swordsmiths, from the early days right down to modern times, i.e. from kotô to shinsakutô. It is not simply a list of names, it also provides biographical information according to the extent of a smith's fame. Aim is to give the reader a coherent picture of a certain smith, that means his civilian name, how did he sign, in which style did he work, and who was his master or his school environment. Thereby, the most common theories on a smith are included and discrepancies in the transmissions are pointed out. This work is a revised and completely new recorded list of smiths by incorporating all relevant Japanese and non-Japanese sources. Incorrect entries and double listings were deleted and readings corrected. The smiths are listed in alphabetical order and sorted according to their used characters. A list of all characters used in the names of the smiths in this index is available, sorted by stroke order, so that the search of a smith with an unknown reading is also possible."--Back cover.

The Japanese Sword

The Japanese Sword
Author: Kanzan Satō
Publisher: Kodansha International
Total Pages: 218
Release: 1983
Genre: Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN: 9780870115622

One of the foremost experts on the Japanese sword describes their history andppreciations in this book, with photographs and illustrations.

Military Swords of Japan, 1868-1945

Military Swords of Japan, 1868-1945
Author: Richard Fuller
Publisher: Arms & Armour
Total Pages: 127
Release: 1993-03
Genre: Swords
ISBN: 9781854091833

"A reference/historical guide to the ""collectable"" market of Japanese military swords. Subjects covered include rebellion swords, Army, Air Force and home-defence emergency-issue swords, civil officials' swords, detail on blades, swordsmiths and markings, and collecting."

Art of the Japanese Sword

Art of the Japanese Sword
Author: Yoshindo Yoshihara
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Total Pages: 592
Release: 2012-09-10
Genre: Antiques & Collectibles
ISBN: 1462909965

In The Art of the Japanese Sword, master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara offers a detailed look at the entire process of Japanese sword making, including the finishing and appreciation of Japanese blades. Japanese sword art stands out in many ways: functionality as a weapon, sophisticated metallurgy and metalsmithing, the shape of the blade itself--all contribute to the beauty of these remarkable weapons. The Art of the Japanese Sword conveys to the reader Japanese samurai sword history and Japanese sword care, as well as explaining how to view and appreciate a blade. With 256 full-color pages, this sword book illustrates in meticulous detail how modern craftsmen use traditional methods to prepare their steel, forge the sword and create the unique hardened edge. By gaining a good understanding of how a sword is actually made, the reader will be able to appreciate the samurai sword more fully. Topics include: Appreciating the Japanese sword History of the Japanese sword Traditional Japanese steelmaking Making the sword Finishing the sword

Index of Japanese Swordsmiths N-Z

Index of Japanese Swordsmiths N-Z
Author: Markus Sesko
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 430
Release: 2012
Genre: Swordsmiths
ISBN: 3848203030

"This index contains a comprehensive listing of more than 20,000 Japanese swordsmiths, from the early days right down to modern times, i.e. from kotô to shinsakutô. It is not simply a list of names, it also provides biographical information according to the extent of a smith's fame. Aim is to give the reader a coherent picture of a certain smith, that means his civilian name, how did he sign, in which style did he work, and who was his master or his school environment. Thereby, the most common theories on a smith are included and discrepancies in the transmissions are pointed out. This work is a revised and completely new recorded list of smiths by incorporating all relevant Japanese and non-Japanese sources. Incorrect entries and double listings were deleted and readings corrected. The smiths are listed in alphabetical order and sorted according to their used characters. A list of all characters used in the names of the smiths in this index is available, sorted by stroke order, so that the search of a smith with an unknown reading is also possible."--Back cover.