Author: Ian Bottomley
Publisher: Salamander Books
ISBN: 9781862220027
Category : Armor
Languages : en
Pages : 192

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Book Description
The history of arms, armor, and weaponry of the Samurai in ancient Japan.

Author: 原田一敏
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art
ISBN: 1588393453
Category : Armor
Languages : en
Pages : 358

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Book Description
"This extensively illustrated catalogue is published in conjunction with the first comprehensive exhibition devoted to the arts of the samurai, including the finest examples of swords - the spirit of the samurai - as well as sword mountings and fittings, armor and helmets, saddles, textiles, and paintings. The works in the catalogue, drawn from public and private collections in Japan, include 34 officially designated National Treasures and 64 Important Cultural Properties, the largest number ever to be shown together at one time. Dating from the 5th to the early 20th century, these majestic objects offer a complete picture of samurai culture and its unique blend of the martial and the refined." "Many of the greatest Japanese swordsmiths are represented in this volume, from early masters such as Yasuie (12th century) and Tomomitsu (14th century) to the Edo-period smiths Nagasone Kotetsu and Kiyomaro. The blades by these and other masters, cherished as much for their beauty as for their cutting efficiency, were equipped with elaborate hilts and scabbards prized for their exquisite craftsmanship and fine materials such as silk, rayskin, gold, lacquer, and certain alloys unique to Japan. Japanese armor is also fully surveyed, from the rarest iron armor of the Kofun period (5th century) to the inventive ceremonial helmets made toward the end of the age of the samurai." --Book Jacket.

Author: Trevor Absolon
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472822242
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 373

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Book Description
The first of a two-part series on the armour of the samurai, this volumes traces first the history of the samurai themselves and then examines the history and evolution of the cuirass or dou, the armour protecting the samurai's chest. For beauty, precision and strength, nothing has ever matched the combination of form and function found in the armour of the samurai. For a samurai, the consummate warrior, his suit of armour was so much more than 'just' protective equipment that could save his life in the heat of battle – it was the embodiment of his personality, social status and very soul. Drawing on over 20 years of research and technical work by Trevor Absolon, a leading expert, this is a complete study of this fundamental aspect of samurai armour construction. Illustrated throughout with photographs and diagrams, this is more than just a detailed technical exploration, it is a meditation on a process that was, and still is, nothing short of an art form.

Author: Antony Cummins
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 146291506X
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
The myths of the noble Samurai and the sinister Ninja are filled with romantic fantasy and fallacy. Samurai and Ninja expert Antony Cummins shatters the myths and exposes the true nature of these very real--and very lethal--medieval Japanese warriors. The Samurai and Ninja were, in fact, brutal killing machines trained in torture and soaked in machismo. Many were skilled horsemen and sword-fighting specialists, while others were masters of deception and sabotage. Some fought for loyalty, others for personal gain. What these warriors all shared in common was their unflinching personal bravery, skill and brutality. In Samurai and Ninja, Cummins separates myth from reality and shows why the Japanese were the greatest warriors of all time: He describes the Samurai and the Ninja as they really were in earlier times when battles raged across Japan--not in later times when war became obsolete and Japanese warriors became philosophers, scholars and courtiers. He describes the social context of the day and the feudal world into which the warriors were trained to fight and die for their lords. He exposes the essentially brutal nature of warfare in medieval Japan. This book is illuminated by many rare Japanese manuscripts and texts which are translated into English for the very first time.

Author: Yoshindo Yoshihara
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462909965
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 592

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Book Description
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

Author: Andreas Marks
Publisher: International Arts & Artists
ISBN: 9780988349704
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Deadly weaponry and artistic ingenuity are celebrated in Lethal Beauty, a collection that explores the evolution of the warrior aesthetic unique to samurai history and artistry. In Lethal Beauty, Dr. Andreas Marks showcases a comprehensive range of 63 exceptional works by 30 master craftsmen. The exhibition which this book draws from features full suits of armor, helmets, warrior hats, face masks, long and short swords, daggers, matchlock rifles, and more. The range of blades spans from the 13th to the 20th centuries and highlights technical refinement and exquisite craftsmanship. The samurai are universally renowned warriors. Tales of their heroics have enchanted listeners since the 12th century, and perhaps more than any other warrior class in history, they continue to fascinate people of all backgrounds, cultures, and ages. Lethal Beauty provides a fascinating look at the striking duality of weaponry and artistic innovation that are an integral part of the samurai.

Author: Antony Cummins
Publisher: Watkins Media Limited
ISBN: 178678193X
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 528

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Book Description
This pioneering study of samurai weapons, armor, and strategies is a fascinating slice of martial arts history, as seen through the eyes of an authentic seventeenth-century samurai master Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ryū samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield. Two secret scrolls by the samurai tactician Natori Sanjūrō Masazumi are presented here: Heieki Yōhō, which offers advice for every possible martial situation, from moving troops to besieging a castle to fighting on the open battlefield; and Heigu Yōhō, which explores samurai arms and armour in unparalleled detail. Illustrated with 130 line drawings of arms and armour, strategic diagrams and beautiful samples of Japanese calligraphy, this is essential reading for students of martial arts, warrior culture and the samurai path. This book was written by the seventeenth-century samurai tactician Natori Sanjūrō Masazumi, also known as Issui-sensei, who was to become the most influential grandmaster of the Natori-Ryū school of war. It gives us an unprecedented insight into what the samurai knew about their own specialization—armour and warfare. By listening to a genuine samurai, we can discover a huge amount about the thoughts, ideals, codes and even the feelings of this much admired, but often misunderstood, warrior class. Heieki Yōhō, the first scroll translated in this book, gives leadership advice for use on and off the battlefield. From turning thieves or cowards to good service, to practising ‘external listening’ in order to obtain information from as many sources as possible, to penetrating the deeper motives of those who slander or praise others, the ideas discussed are thought provoking and paint a vivid picture of samurai Japan at war. Heigu Yōhō, the second scroll, gives a rare and precious glimpse into samurai arms and armour, including details of their construction, regulations associated with the wearer’s status, and the fascinating ceremonies, mythology and Buddhist doctrine that underlay their use. With 130 line drawings that clarify the text, this is the ultimate resource for all those interested in the wisdom and practice of the historical samurai.

Author: Clive Sinclaire
Publisher: Lyons Press
ISBN: 9781592287208
Category : Armor, Medieval
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
A fascinating look at ancient Japanese weaponry, complete with 150 dazzling full-color photographs.

Author: Leon Kapp
Publisher: Kodansha International
ISBN: 9780870117985
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 176

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

Author: Serge Mol
Publisher: Kodansha International
ISBN: 9784770029416
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Classic Weaponry Of Japan is a Kodansha International publication.