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Lethal Elegance

Lethal Elegance PDF Author: Joe Earle
Publisher: MFA Publications
ISBN: 9780878467754
Category : Samurai
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
As the "soul of the samurai," the sword is famously both the symbol and instrument of Japanese military prowess. Less known, at least in the west, is its role as a fashion accessory or status symbol. More than the weapon itself, it was the sword's metal fittings--from the hand guard to the small decorative plates on the hilt--that reflected the complexities of samurai life. Some fittings were meant to convey the honor and self-control expected of a samurai, while other, more flamboyant fittings reflected the samurai's leisure-time persona as "man about town." Later, when the wearing of swords spread beyond the samurai class, both the decorative function of the fittings and the variety of their designs increased, leading to some of the most accomplished metalwork ever created. Now in paperback for the first time, Lethal Elegance presents 150 of these remarkable sword fittings, and is one of the few books to focus on their styles and techniques. It discusses the visual effects achieved with different alloys, the evolution of fittings following changes in warfare, symbolism and standards for connoisseurship. Though these objects were created for violent ends, their variety and beauty also reveal them as wonders of self-expression.

Lethal Elegance

Lethal Elegance PDF Author: Joe Earle
Publisher: MFA Publications
ISBN: 9780878467754
Category : Samurai
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
As the "soul of the samurai," the sword is famously both the symbol and instrument of Japanese military prowess. Less known, at least in the west, is its role as a fashion accessory or status symbol. More than the weapon itself, it was the sword's metal fittings--from the hand guard to the small decorative plates on the hilt--that reflected the complexities of samurai life. Some fittings were meant to convey the honor and self-control expected of a samurai, while other, more flamboyant fittings reflected the samurai's leisure-time persona as "man about town." Later, when the wearing of swords spread beyond the samurai class, both the decorative function of the fittings and the variety of their designs increased, leading to some of the most accomplished metalwork ever created. Now in paperback for the first time, Lethal Elegance presents 150 of these remarkable sword fittings, and is one of the few books to focus on their styles and techniques. It discusses the visual effects achieved with different alloys, the evolution of fittings following changes in warfare, symbolism and standards for connoisseurship. Though these objects were created for violent ends, their variety and beauty also reveal them as wonders of self-expression.

Art of the Samurai

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

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.

Military Swords of Japan, 1868-1945

Military Swords of Japan, 1868-1945 PDF Author: Richard Fuller
Publisher: Arms & Armour
ISBN: 9781854091833
Category : Swords
Languages : en
Pages : 127

Book Description
"A reference/historical guide to the ""collectable"" market of Japanese military swords. Subjects covered include rebellion swords, Army, Air Force and home-defence emergency-issue swords, civil officials' swords, detail on blades, swordsmiths and markings, and collecting."

Art of the Japanese Sword

Art of the Japanese Sword PDF Author: Yoshindo Yoshihara
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462909965
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 592

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

Japanese Woodblock Prints

Japanese Woodblock Prints PDF Author: William Green
Publisher: Brill Hotei
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 304

Book Description
The ultimate research tool for the study of Japanese prints, this publication represents eight years of research by the author William Green. It lists over 6000 publications dating from 1822 to 1993, concentrating on those in English. In addition, the inclusion of newspaper and periodical reviews of the most important books and catalogs enables the academic debate concerning Japanese prints to be followed. This book is divided along thematic lines into 15 chapters and also contains three indexes, making it an easy-to-use reference work for students, scholars and collectors alike.

Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords

Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords PDF Author: Markus Sesko
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 131256315X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 554

Book Description
This completely new encyclopedic reference for the Japanese sword contains about 2,500 terms, many of them illustrated by photos and drawings. The Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords is an A-Z general encyclopedia covering each and every part of the sword: the blade, the mountings, the fittings, and all their different interpretations. Further, this encyclopedia also explains the literal or etymological meaning of each Japanese term and provides an even deeper insight into the subject.

Japanese Swords and Armor

Japanese Swords and Armor PDF Author: Paul Martin
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462924964
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 238

Book Description
The first book to present the amazing swords and armor belonging to the most famous Samurai in Japanese history! In Japanese Swords and Armor, Samurai sword expert Paul Martin presents scores of magnificent blades, fittings and armor from the 12th to the 20th centuries which belonged to thirty of the most famous warriors and leaders in Japanese history including: A wooden sword commissioned and owned by Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; an exact replica of the sword he wielded at the legendary duel on Ganryu-jima Island The tachi blade worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the powerful unifier of Japan—which was later presented to the Meiji Emperor The katchu (armor) belonging to Minamoto no Yoshitsune, hero of the Genpei Wars and later gifted as a votive offering to the Kasuga Shrine in Nara The naginata (halberd) said to be the favored weapon of Tomoe Gozen, Japan's famous female Samurai, that was immortalized in the classic book Tale of the Heike And many more! These masterful works of art are presented in 200 stunning color photos including eight double gatefolds. Many of these objects, which rival the greatest military artifacts found anywhere, are designated national treasures or important cultural properties by the Japanese government and reflect their importance to the Samurai, their culture, and to the nation and people of Japan.

Japanese Prints, Paintings and Works of Art

Japanese Prints, Paintings and Works of Art PDF Author: Sotheby's (Firm)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Art, Japanese
Languages : en
Pages : 584

Book Description


Catalogues of Japanese Works of Art and Colour Prints

Catalogues of Japanese Works of Art and Colour Prints PDF Author: Sotheby & Co. (London, England)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 556

Book Description


The Connoisseur

The Connoisseur PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 778

Book Description