Library's review
from dust jacket
The intimately appealing art of the Japanese sword, which flourished since the tenth century, is no doubt the most universally known of all Japanese art.
With a growing awareness and appreciation of the Japanese sword in the United States, a true need for a text in English has
The present volume also deals with the origin and development of the sword and its historical background. Over 40 pages of text and 18 illustrations deal with the sword as a functional object as well as an art form. The student will find a wealth of knowledge to enhance his collecting chances and how to better care for and preserve this important aspect of Japanese history.
The Samurai Sword will be an indispensable book and reference source for years to come.
The author, Gary D. Murtha, is a native of Missouri and graduate of the University of Missouri, where he acquired his degree in History. In 1970, while stationed in Japan with the Marine Corps, he became aware of and interested in the Japanese sword. That interest has not wavered as he is currently a member of the Japanese Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (N.B.T.H.K,) the Southern California Sword Club, and a life member of the Japanese Sword Society of the United States.
The author and his wife, Kiyome, and their three children reside in Kansas City, Missouri.
Contents
Index of Artists
Introduction
1 History
2 Nomenclature
3 Parts of The Total Sword
4 Knowing What You Have
5 How to Collect Swords
6 Fittings (Plates)
7 Blades (Plates)
8 Care and Cleaning
9 The Future of Collecting
Glossary
The Men Behind The Legend
The intimately appealing art of the Japanese sword, which flourished since the tenth century, is no doubt the most universally known of all Japanese art.
With a growing awareness and appreciation of the Japanese sword in the United States, a true need for a text in English has
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arisen. This lavishly illustrated book, with 32 reproducitons of fittings in full color and 24 black and white prints of blades and signatures, covers the work of over 100 artists and schools. Of particular value is the attention given to the lives of the artists themselves, their working periods and style.The present volume also deals with the origin and development of the sword and its historical background. Over 40 pages of text and 18 illustrations deal with the sword as a functional object as well as an art form. The student will find a wealth of knowledge to enhance his collecting chances and how to better care for and preserve this important aspect of Japanese history.
The Samurai Sword will be an indispensable book and reference source for years to come.
The author, Gary D. Murtha, is a native of Missouri and graduate of the University of Missouri, where he acquired his degree in History. In 1970, while stationed in Japan with the Marine Corps, he became aware of and interested in the Japanese sword. That interest has not wavered as he is currently a member of the Japanese Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (N.B.T.H.K,) the Southern California Sword Club, and a life member of the Japanese Sword Society of the United States.
The author and his wife, Kiyome, and their three children reside in Kansas City, Missouri.
Contents
Index of Artists
Introduction
1 History
2 Nomenclature
3 Parts of The Total Sword
4 Knowing What You Have
5 How to Collect Swords
6 Fittings (Plates)
7 Blades (Plates)
8 Care and Cleaning
9 The Future of Collecting
Glossary
The Men Behind The Legend
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Publication
H.M.S. Publications