Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords-A Collector's Guide

This volume is an invaluable resource for both new enthusiasts and experienced collectors of traditionally forged Japanese blades-whether long swords, short sword, or daggers. Nobuo Nakahara takes a rational and discriminating approach to sword appreciation, closely examining long-held ideas and

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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 problematic, and easily recognize the fundamental elements that characterize works of enduring value.

Nakahara covers a broad range of information, including:

A summary of the histoical development of blade shapes
Detailed explanations of the different parts of a blade from tip to tang
A look at the effects of polishing
Instructions for sword maintenance and appreciation
Points to consider when buying a sword
Detailed explanations for blade grooves and engravings
An in-depth discusson of suriage, the shortening of the blade-an area that is rarely given attention even though it is one of the most important aspects of sword appreciation
A thorough overview of inscriptions, covering those carved by the smith who created the blade as well as alterations and attributions added later

Nakahara's comprehensive descriptions, along with appraximately 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.

Nobuo Nakahara Japanese Sword Researcher and Lecturer
Born in Nara, Japan, in 1951, Nakahara graduated from Doushisha University, Kyoto, in 1974. He became an apprentice of Kosuke Murakami, a Japaneses sword specialist and editor of Touen magazine. In December 1978, following his teacher's death, Nakahara became an independent sword resercher. He published the bi-monthly Japanese Sword Journal from February 199 to december 1998, and began lecturing at Japanese sword research assocciations all over Japan. In 2001, he pubished the reference book Katana of Oita Prefecture in Japanese, followed by Katana no Kansho in 2005, upon which the present book is based. In 2009, he edited and published Hon'ami-ke no Hitobito (the Hon'ami family down through the generations), about the renowned family of sword polishers and connoisseurs who at one time served the Tokugawa shoguns.

Paul Martin Japanese Sword Reseracher and Curator
Maritn, a former member of the Department of Japanese Antiquities at the British Museum, London, is the editor of the Nihonto Journal. HIs other translations include the Hayashibara Museum's catalog Ono Yoshimitsu's World of Juka-Choji and the All -Japan Swordsmith Association DVD, The Spirit and Ancient Techniques of the Japanese Sword. He has also worked for and provided translations for the Japanese Sword Museum (NBTHK). Martin has organized exhbitions and lectured on Japanese swords in Europe and the United States and appeared in several documentaries on the Japanese sword for the Discovery Channel and the History Channel.

Contents

Foreword
Preface
Part 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 construction
Historical changes in sword characteristics
Part II Fundamental elements of the Japanese sword
1 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)
2 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
Mumai blades
Mumei blade Q & A
Part III Sword appreciation
Appreciation meetings
The establishement of the goka-den
Hon'ami origami
Kantei-sho Q & A
Buying a sword
Sword maintenance
Appendices
Appendix 1 Additional examples: Hisotorical changes in sword characteristics
Appendix 2 Additional examples: Types of hamon
Appendix 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
Glossary
Index

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