SHIBUI SWORDS BOOKS


 

NIHONTO ZUIKAN by Kataoka Kinsaku, $1650.00
These two books are written by Hizento expert Kataoka Kinsaku. The quality of oshigata and it's accuracy exceeds that of Iimura's Taikan Series. Hundreds of oshigata and swordsmiths are clearly illustrated here. The Koto volume is one of the rarest books even in Japan. These books divide the swordsmiths following their province like Shinto Shu and Shinshinto Shu by Fujishiro Yoshio. Also, they indicated some errors that appeared in Fujishiro's Toko Jiten. It is my opinion that these two books are the most accurate and reliable source ever published for Nihonto Oshigata. Koto volume has 1064 pages and Shinto (including Shinshinto and Gendaito) has 991 pages. Book size is 22.5cm X 30.5cm with original case. Books are hard silk cover in nearly fine condition. Japanese language. English index available through JSS/US.
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NIHONTO JITEN by Tokuno Kazuo, $130.00
First published in 1973 by Tokuno Kazuo and then updated. Now in it's 16th edition. This book is basic and contains unusual, fundamental information. Change of sugata, variations of hamon, jihada, and boshi are explained with good illustrations from Koto era to Gendai era. The best feature of this book is the 1000 famous smith's list being well organized with selected oshigata and price. From the author of the well known Toko Taikan, this book bares distinction as its pages of oshigata of important smiths of the Koto through Gendai periods has been made accessible through the JSS/US Index of Sword Literature - a testament of its utility as a tool of study. New edition, printed in 2000. Great set with his 'Nyumon Nihonto Zukan'. Book size is 16cm X 19cm, 265 pages. Japanese language.
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NYUMON NIHONTO ZUKAN by Tokuno Kazuo, $100.00
One of the well known and impressive books written by the famous Tokuno Kazuo.
This book explains the history of Nihonto development from Heian era, Kamakura, Nanbokucho, Muromachi, Edo, to Gendai. Basic knowledge about Nihonto is well explained. Very good set with his 'Nihonto Jiten'. Originally published in 1989, this is the third and last edition, printed in 1996 and now out of print. Hard cover with 206 pages, 15.5cm X 21.5cm. Japanese language.
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NIHONTO no KANTEI to KANSHO by Tsuneishi Hideaki, $70.00
Great set with Hideaki's Nihonto no Kenkyu to Kansho. This book is for the appraisal and appreciation of Nihonto. It contains the history of Nihonto, basic knowledge for Kantei, Smith's characteristics and their family lines. Published in 1968, 320 pages. Japanese language.
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SHINHAN TOSHO ZENSHU by Shimizu Osamu, $120.00
This book is a complement to Nihonto Meikan. It was first published in 1957 by a Tokyo sword and art dealers association. It is also listed in Hawley's reference list. It contains about 20,000 smiths with their rating from Koto to Gendaito. It also contains the main Nihonto dealer stores with their addresses and some famous museum addresses. NEW edition with 714 pages and slip case, 16cm X 22cm. Japanese language.
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TOKEN YORAN by Iimura Yoshiaki, $85.00
This is a small pocket size book and excellant reference. It contains invaluable information and shows the insight of the author, Iimura Yoshiaki, famous for his Taikan series. This book is forty chapters including 284 pages of oshigata, 70 pages of Tsuba, Kodogu, and Tsuka, 110 pages of blade price list and smith rankings, 120 pages of kaji and kinko family lines, and more. NEW edition with green silk cover, 11.5cm X 16.5cm, 725 pages. Japanese language.
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NIHON-no-BIJUTSU, set of four for $160.00
Volume 64, Sword Fittings by Kajima Susumu. In good condition, 7in X 9in, 108 pages, published in 1971.
Volume 127, Kimono's. In good condition, 7in X 9in.
Volume 332, Sword Fittings by Ogasawara Nobuo. NEW, 7in X 9in, 98 pages.
Volume 431, Japanese Sword, Fujisawa Collection. NEW, 7in X 9in, 106 pages.
All volumes are published under the supervision of the National Museums of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. Each volume is part of a series titled "Nihon no Bijutsu (The Fine Arts of Japan)". Japanese language.
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JAPANESE ART SWORD by Junji Homma, $120.00
During the Allied Occupation the National Museum of Japan held an important exhibition of Japanese swords. This text provided an overview of the history of swords in Japan. It does not include photos or oshigata; it's illustrations are directed toward sword nomenclature. It includes Homma's excellent and extensive essay, "Works of Art Made of Steel", which can serve as a basis for study. Published in 1948, 72 pages, 5in X 7 1/4in paper hardcover, Wood slip cover. English language.
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JAPANESE SWORDS by Nobuo Ogasawara, $20.00 each
A little picture book on the Japanese sword. This broad survey includes swords and fittings while also discussing the history of the art. Many important works are shown. Numerous color and b&w photographs are detailed and a glossary follows. Two copies available, published in 1972 and 2003. Both are in excellant condition, 4in X 5 3/4in, 128 pages.
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NIPPON-TO: THE JAPANESE SWORD by Inami Hakusui, $200.00
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 the 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. Good condition, hardcover with 222 pages, 7 1/2in X 10 1/2in.
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TOKEN KANTEI TECHO (Critical Handbook on Japanese Swords) by Sato Kanichi, $200.00
This long out-of-print classic reference book is illustrated with drawings, oshigata and photographs written by a well noted and highly respected authority. This is a classic text that belongs on the shelf of all students of the sword. Good condition, no loose or worn pages. 344 pages, published in Tokyo in 1955. 4 1/4in X 6 3/4in. Text in Japanese.
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NIHONTO by Kunzan Honma, $120.00
This long out-of-print book is a 'collectable' written by a famous sword author and professor. This book explains everything about Japanese Swords: the process of swordmaking, major smiths and provinces, the various shapes, various steps in sword polishing, maintenance of the sword, apprasials and about national treasure class swords. Well supported by b&w illustrations and photos. This is a classic text and belongs on the shelf of all students of the sword. Good condition, softcover with 225 pages, 11.2cm X 17.3cm. Text in Japanese.
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TOKEN HYAKKA NENPYOU by Kazuo Iida, $120.00
This out-of-print book is new yet published in 1971. Written by a noted Japanese sword expert in Tokyo. Of note are an assessment of the Japanese sword from Kamakura era to Showa era. This is a classic text of 70 pages of pictures of nakago, hamon, and fittings along with major sword smith information. Also contains information on Kinko fittings and a year chart. This new book belongs on the shelf of all students of the sword. NEW condition, black hardcover and slipcase with 304 pages, 6 1/8in X 8 1/2in. Text in Japanese.
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TOKEN MEI JITEN, $300.00
by Kawaguchi Wataru, Kotou Tsuneo, Iwamoto Tsuranosuke, and Saito Katsumi.

This is an excellant book of Oshigata. 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. Good condition, hardcover with 222 pages, 7 1/2in X 10 1/2in.
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TEIRYO YOJI by Honami Koson, translated and edited by A. Yamanaka & D. Scott (1984). $600.00
The Honami's respected tradition as sword polishers is renown. Reportedly not intended for mass distribution, Honami Koson originally prepared Teiryo Yoji for his students as the proper restoration of nihonto requires subtle knowledge of kantei and supporting key qualities in a blade to bare its distinction. This serious kantei tool includes over 800 sword drawings classified by period, each accompanied by detailed commentary. While not actual swords, representations are intended to typify kantei points normally attributed to a given smith's work. Understanding these points are essential when evaluating swords. This is a classic text acknowledged in the bibliographies of many later works and belongs on the shelf of all students of the sword. Printed in limited edition of only 300 volumes. Excellant condition, hardcover and boxed, with 438 pages, 9 1/4in X 12 1/4in. English and Japanese text.
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KANZAN SHINTO OSHIGATA DICTIONARY by Sato Kanzan , $160.00
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, descriptive text and English forward are included, fulfilling the scholar's intention of "publishing" a book on swords in English that would be easy for overseas sword lovers to understand. New condition, softcover with 502 pages, 9in X 11 1/2in.
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TANTO (Japanese Daggers) by Suzuki Yoshisada (r. 1969), $240.00
A spectacular Japanese language reference of 120 Tanto, Kamakura through 1960 Gendai. The full length oshigata are reproduced in b&w photos and include detailed descriptions and history. A separate 83 page English translation accompanies this offering. This is a classic text acknowledged in the bibliographies of many later works and belongs on the shelf of all students of the sword. New condition, hardcover with 267 pages, 6in X 8 1/2in.
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TSUBA: $85.00
The Japanese Sword Guards, by Masayuki Murata (2006)
beauty and charming Japanese 19th century metal work.

Fine catalog presents Bakumatsu and Meiji-era tsuba from the collection of the Kiyomizu San'nanzaka Museum in Kyoto Japan. Many decorative styles (yoshiki) and techniques were devised..when wealthy merchants could outdo daimyo in financial power and so ordered ornate items including up-market materials..from metalworkers. Japanese language with English table of contents, forward, and tsuba-ko noted for each piece in romanji. Vivid, full-color photography on high quality stock. This is an excellant reference for students of tsuba. NEW, softcover w/ dust jacket, 96 pages, 8 3/4in X 11 1/2in.
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