The more than thousand-year-old art of sword making in Japan is one of the world's most brilliant metalworking traditions. In danger of being lost when sword manufacture was prohibited after the Second World War, today the art is making an astonishing comeback in the hands of a new generation of swordsmiths. In this book master swordsmith Kunihira Kawachi introduces through beautiful color photographs examples of swords that he has created or restored. Questions and answers covering many aspects of sword culture are followed by a thorough chapter teaching how to care for and appreciate Japanese swords, and a discussion of the many legends surrounding the swords of the most famous swordsmen in Japanese history. A central section illustrates the tools and techniques for making Japanese swords with more than 50 color and monochrome photos. Finally, a chapter of essays presenting the lives and opinions of those involved in sword making in Japan today is followed by appendixes listing such useful information as the best museums in which to view fine sword collections around the world. This modest book is packed with information of use to all connoisseurs and collectors of Japanese swords, as well as anyone interested in Japanese metal crafts or martial culture.
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Kunihira Kawachi is the second son of 14th-generation swordsmith Kunisuke Kawachinokami. A member of the Ancient Sword Research Committee of the Kashihara Archaeological Institute, he has restored many important ancient swords, and his own superbly crafted swords are featured in the collections of many museums as well as Shinto shrines. Co-author Masao Manabe holds a special degree in calligraphy and is vice-president of the Japan Seal Carvers Association, as well a member of the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice little read,
This review is from: The Art of the Japanese Sword: As Taught by the Experts (Paperback)
This book should correctly be called a photo essay. The book is not a technical manual but a nice insight into the life of one of Japans great swordsmiths. If your a student of the Japanese sword each photograph reveals something of interest. If you are a Smith you'll learn a lot by simple studying Kawachi's workshop. For me the most important feature of this book are the little 'Pearls of wisdom' from Kawachi scattered amongst the photos. They reflect a man with true insight into his art and are worth every penny of the price tag on their own.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The only book on japanese swords that adopts a litterary tone!,
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This review is from: The Art of the Japanese Sword: As Taught by the Experts (Paperback)
Kawachi Kunihira has just been declared as "master holder of highest skills" in traditional japanese swordsmithing by the prefecture of Nara, where he lives. The original japanese version of this book, published only a few years ago, has sold above 10 000 copies until now, and is still selling well - quite an accomplishment for a book aimed at such a narrow world.The book is filled with bright, color and black & white beautiful photographs whose author has been visiting Kawachi-sensei on a regular basis for many years. The idea was that by spending considerable time with the craftman, he would come to understand the nature of his work, and thus create images carrying a deeper understanding. See for yourself. The book goes through all kinds of talk, such as the actual reason for a japanese sword to be, viewers' perception, famous swordmen and stories related to the sword, and of course a basic overview of the making, maintenance and appreciation. The aim of this book is to bring the reader to understand and appreciate the sword. One must expect a collection of essays rather than a technical reference book. It is as easy to read as travel guide, but much more fun! Full praise for a long-awaited style in the often geek-like technical world of japanese swords that are, at the very least, high-end works of art.
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