Facts and fundamentals of japanese swords : A collector's guide. Japanese swords

Collection type	Library
Author	Nakahara, Nobuo, 1951-; Martin, Paul.;
Call Number	MHT
Document type	Monograph
Year	2010.
Pagination	191 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Publisher	Kodansha international,
Note	Includes index. Translated from the Japanese. This volume is an invaluable resource for both new enthusiasts and experienced collectors of traditionally forged Japanese blades---whether long swords, short swords, or daggers. Nobuo Nakahara takes a rational and discriminating approach to sword appreciation, closely examining long-held ideas and reevaluating them from a historical and functional perspective. His clear explanations and frank opinions will enable readers to evaluate the condition of a blade, determine whether it is "healthy" or problemat ic, and easily recognize the fundamental elements that characterize works of enduring value. -- Nakahara's comprehensive descriptions, along with approximately 300 photos and drawings, make Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords an immensely practical and relevant guide not only for serious collectors, but for anyone who enjoys or wishes to learn more about these classic works of art. --Book Jacket.
Place made	Tokyo ; New york :

Abstract

Machine generated contents note: pt. I An Overview of the Japanese Sword -- The Japanese Sword and Its Development as a Weapon -- Blade Classification -- Viewing Basics -- The Parts, Length, and Curvature of the Japanese Sword -- Types of Blade Constructi on -- Historical Changes in Sword Characteristics -- pt. II Fundamental Elements of the Japanese Sword -- The Forged Sword -- Jigane and Jihada -- Hamon -- Nioi and Nie -- Utsuri -- Blade Q&A -- Mihaba and Kasane -- Shinogi -- Mune -- Funbari -- Curvature (Sori) -- Kissaki -- Boshi -- Tang (Nakago) -- Inscriptions (Mei) -- Mei Q&A -- Polish -- Flaws (Kizu) -- Consequences of Modification and Wear -- Changes in Shape Due to Polishing -- Q & A on Changes in Shape Due to Polishing -- Shortening (Suriage) -- Hi and Horimono -- Hi & Horimono Q&A -- Saiha -- Saiha Q&A -- Mumei Blades -- Mumei Blade Q&A -- pt. III Sword Appreciation -- Appreciation Meetings -- The Establishment of the Goka-den -- Hon'ami Origami -- Contents note continued: Kantei-sho (Nintei-sho) -- Kantei-sho Q&A -- Buying a Sword -- Sword Maintenance -- APPENDICES -- Appendix 1 Additional Examples: Historical Changes in Sword Characteristics -- Appendix 2 Additional Examples: Types of Hamon -- App endix 3 Additional Examples: Types of Boshi -- Appendix 4 Additional Examples: Nakago Shapes -- Appendix 5 Additional Examples: Hi and Horimono -- Appendix 6 Kao of Hon'ami Appraisers by Generation -- Appendix 7 Additional Examples: Kantei-sho (Nintei-sho ) -- Appendix 8 Historical Periods, Reigning Emperors, and the Chinese Astrological Calendar -- Appendix 9 Maps of Japan in the Edo Period.