Satcho.com - New Arrivals

New Arrivals
Either back in stock or new offerings, the following texts represent the "new arrivals" to our shelves. Our inventory changes quickly - especially the many popular out-of-print titles that we carry where stock is limited.
Home / Ordering Instructions / Request e-mail notification of new arrivals.

TOSOGU: Treasure of the Samurai
Fine Japanese Sword Fittings from The Muromachi to The Meiji Period
Graham Gemmell (1991)
An extraordinary catalogs of sword fittings. Includes historical material on principle schools in addition to extensive documentation for each piece. Over 70 full-color plates; indexed by school, glossary.
151 pages, 8½ x12" hardcover $85.00

IRON CRAFTSMANSHIP AND THE WARRIOR SPIRIT
Tokyo National Museum: MURANO Takao, editor (1997)
Celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its first exhibition to follow World War II, the Tokyo National Museum amassed an important exhibition of bujutusu token that included works borrowed from public and private collections. With 351 exhibits the presentation surveys the development of the sword while detailing major schools and periods. The Japanese-language text is supplemented by a full 22 page, detailed English index with essays interspersed.
378 pgs, 8¾ x 11¾" soft cover $165

SPECIAL EXHIBITION: JAPANESE ARMS & ARMOR
Tokyo National Museum (1976)
An exceptional exhibit catalog, nearly 600 pieces are included and span the range of samurai arms & armor. The collection represented important, top level works as could only be assembled in Japan. The entire collection is shown in 16 pages of color plates, and 222 pages of b&w plates. It is perhaps one of the most important collections ever assembled. The Japanese-language text is supplemented by a full 33 page, detailed English index.
346 pages, 7 x 10" soft cover $75

TANTO (Japanese Daggers)
SUZUKI Yoshisada (r.1969)
A spectacular Japanese language reference of 120 tanto, Kamakura through 1960 Gendai. The full length oshigata are reproduced in b&w photos and include detailed descriptions and history. A separate 83 page English translation accompanies this offering.
267 pgs., 6 x 8½" hardcover $175

JAPANESE SPEARS
Polearms and their use in Old Japan
Roald & Patricia Knutsen (2004)
Following Knutsen's landmark Japanese Polearms (1963) is another study of "...the dominant weapons of the battlefield until displaced by the widespread introduction of firearms in the late 16th century. This fully illustrated study of "naginata" and "yari" records the many variations of spear design from the ancient period when warrior chieftains settled in Japan from the Asian mainland, down to the fall of the Tokugawa in 1868 that marked the close of the feudal period."
288 pages, hardcover $90

JAPANESE POLEARMS
R.M.Knutsen (1963)
This is the definitive English language book on Japanese polearms. Historical material traces development and usage. Knutsen goes into great detail on all know variants and koshirae. Additionally, the text surveys yanone and lists prominent swordsmiths known to have forged polearms. Extensive illustrations: both line drawing and b&w plates; index, and glossary.
271 pages, 7½ x 10" hardcover $145

LETHAL ELEGANCE:
The Art of Samurai Sword Fittings
Joe Earle (2004)
From MFA, "The Japanese 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. And 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 on official duty, while other, more flamboyant ones reflected his leisure-time persona as "man about town". Later, when the wearing of the swords spread beyond the samurai class, both the decorative function of the fittings and the variety of their designs sharply increased, leading to some of the most sophisticated and accomplished metalwork ever created."
256 pages, 8½ x 9¼" hardcover $45

HAYNES AUCTION CATALOGS, Vols. 1 - 10
Robert Hayes et al
What the Compton auction catalogs are for swords, Haynes' catalogs spanning 1981-84 are for the field of tosogu...arguably more so. Presented are a broad range of fittings with many significant examples throughout the series, all with supporting documentation and commentary making for excellent reference. An added value to the series was the translation of Torigoye's Tsuba Geijutso Ko (1960). This complete set is a tremendous opportunity for serious students of tosogu.
10 soft cover volumes $695

MASAMUNE:
A Genius Swordsmith and His Lineage
Sano Art Museum, Japan (2002)
A Japanese-language catalog of the important exhibition. Includes 57 swords by 21 different smiths, and 6 pages in English detailing the blades shown. Exceptional high-quality oshigata and photographs make this an important reference on the Soshu School.
169 pages, 8� x 11�" soft cover $150
For an informative overview see Bob Benson's article in the JSS/US Newsletter (April 2002).

SHOSANKENSHU
Henri Joly's List of Names and Kakihan
Henri Joly (1963)
The reprint of Joly's 1919 handwritten/drawn reference to fittings makers' names and personal seals. Over 2950 listings are recorded. Listings are alphabetized by romanized spelling, each includes: kanji, and in most cases kakihan and notations regarding location or school. The previous text to which Joly credits as the basis for supplementation was by Shinkichi Hara and contained only 600 entries less kakihan. This is a definitive and invaluable reference tool by a noted authority.
444 pages, 9� x 11�" hardcover $95

Nihon To Koza
AFU: H.A.Watson, translator
The Nihon To Koza was first published in Japan in the mid-thirties as a series of 20 plus volumes, then re-edited and re-issued in the late sixties in the form of a ten volume hardbound set. This series has been translated to English and includes all of the pictures and captions from the Japanese version. The translated volumes are 8� x 11 inches, hardbound, indexed, included a glossary, and run approximately 500 pages each. The current translated set consists of 3 Koto volumes, a Shinto volume, a Shinshinto volume, and a volume on kodogu.

Pictured here, the complete translated set of the Nihon To Koza. Detail and price for each volume is listed below.

Nihon To Koza Vol.III: KOTO Part II
Covers the koto smiths of Omi, Mino, Muttsu, and Dewa on Tosando; Tanba, Tango, Tajima, Inaba, Hoki, Izumo, and Iwami on the Sanyindo; Harima, Mimasaka, Bitchu, Bingo, Aki, and Suo on the Sanyodo; Chikugo, Buzen, Bungo, Hizen, Higo, Hyuga, Osumi, and Satsuma on the Saikaido.
477 pgs., 8� x 11" hardcover $150

Nihon To Koza Vol.IV: SHINTO
Covers the period from 1596-1771. The smiths are presented grouped under the individual kuni from which they came. Unlike the koto period, the smiths of this era were scattered throughout the country, so there are very few kuni that are not mentioned in this volume.
374 pages, 8� x 11" hardcover $225

Nihon To Koza Vol.V: SHINSHINTO
Covers the period from 1772-1925; this information was not contained in the original publication, as Shinshinto blades were generally not in high regard in Japan during the 1930s. The major schools or groups of the period are discussed, as is the influence of certain personages that emerged during that time. Connections between the Gokaden and major shinshinto artists are considered. Gimei, or false signatures, are also considered.
452 pgs., 8� x 11" hardcover $250

Nihon To Koza Vol.VI: KODOGU Part I
Primarily concerned with tsuba, this volume covers iron tsuba, fuchi kashira, and offers a discussion of the types of kantei of kodogu with comparison of how tsuba are viewed in the West. Given the volume of names involved in kodogu, considerable attention is given to pronunciation and kanji. A 10 page pronunciation guide to 900+ kanji is included, as is a separate 4 page pamphlet with essential terms for the study of kodogu.
374 pgs., 8� x 11" hardcover $150.00

JAPANESE SWORDS & FITTINGS IN THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
George Trotter (1989)
This text catalogs the museum's holdings with photographs and descriptions provided for each piece. Swords are shown along with their koshirae. The contents run a broad range from mass-produced Showa period items to also include many earlier works. A historical overview, index of artists, and glossary are also provided.
131 pages, 8� x 11�" soft cover $45

THE JAPANESE SWORD Q & A BOOK
W.Trevino (1978)
This limited-run printing offers a western collector's perspective on the field of Japanese sword collecting. Alternatively titled, "Some of the things you always wanted to know about Japanese swords but didn't know who to ask," the book proceeds as a response to many questions asked of the author by persons new to the field. Addressed are questions on: cleaning, restoration, sword polishing, mountings, and general guideline on buying & selling. English-language.
130 pages, 5� x 8�" soft cover $65

TSUBA
R.B.Caldwell
This texts offers 64 Tsuba, many in color, plus a history of the art. Caldwell's recommendations on judging tsuba are particularly interesting.
44 pages., 8� x 11" soft cover $35

SHIN NIHONTO KANTEI NYUMON
YUICHI Hiro & KAZUO Iida
Offered together are New Introduction to the Kantei of Japanese Swords and its English translation. This is truly a textbook on the process of kantei nyusatsu and with the accompanying translation the English reader is offered an opportunity for study as presented in no other text. Highlights of its contents includes sections on reading signatures, distinguishing counterfeit signatures, and finally 61 test examples on which to test your kantei skills complete with explanations. Clearly an important tool of study, and with its separate English translation an accessible tool of obvious value to serious collectors.
387 pages, 5 x 7� soft cover Japanese text, and hardcover English translation $275

SWORDS OF THE SAMURAI
V. Harris, N. Ogasawara (1990)
Documents an important loan exhibition from Japan of Japanese swords to the British Museum. In cooperation with the Asahi Shimbun presented are 142 exhibits spanning the Kofun though Edo periods. Photographs of each exhibit are accompanied by extensive documentation with each period also preceded by a scholarly overview of historical and developmental changes resulting in the evolution of the sword and its related arts. Includes an index of smiths and complete glossary of terms.
176 pages, 8� x 11�" soft cover $135

NIIHONTO ZENSHU
Homma Kunzan & Sata Kanzan (1966)
The complete nine-volume encyclopedia compiled from experts in their field.
Nine hardcover volumes $725

OSAKA SHINTO ZUFU
Nakamiya (1967)
Definitive reference on the subject.
641 Pages, 8� x 12� hardcover with slipcase $465

MUROMACHI-KI MINO TOKO NO KENKYU
Suzuki Takuo (2006)
Large collection of Muromachi-period Mino-to.
377 Pages, 8� x 11�" hardcover $95

DIE MEISTER DER JAPANISCHEN SCHWERTZIERATEN
HARA Shiunkichi (1931, 32)
Rare, complete seminal study as referenced in all of the major tosogu texts.
Two volumes, soft cover $325

THE WAY OF THE SAMURAI
Richard Storry (r. 1978)
Storry cites prior accounts of Japanese culture beginning with Nitobe's Bushido: The Soul of Japan (1920) to identify changing western perspectives of Japanese culture and the samurai class. The familiar narrative of an evolving samurai integral to centralized authority and modernization is treated with concern for this changing perspective. This large format presentation makes liberal use of prints, illustrations, photographs and artifacts to supports its narrative as shown here. Includes chronology, glossary and bibliography.
128 pgs., 8� x 11�" hardcover $30

THE BOOK OF THE SAMURAI: The Warrior Class of Japan
S.R. Turnbull (r. 1982)
A survey of the samurai class from its origins to its final reconciliation with the modern age. This large format presentation makes liberal use of prints, illustrations, photographs and artifacts to supports its narrative as shown here. Includes glossary and bibliography.
192 pgs., 9� x 12" hardcover $30

JAPANESE NAMES:
A COMPREHENSIVE INDEX OF CHARACTERS AND READINGS
P. G. O'Neill (r.1972)
This book came to our attention by recommendation of John Slough, author of Modern Japanese Swordsmiths, who cites O'Neill's text as the most useful text for the difficult and often confusing task of reading signatures. This well organized reference begins with a brief guide for use and is followed by three sections allowing reference by character (kanji), reading (Romanji), or by radical. An effective key also confirms if names are given or surname (by gender), and/or of historical or artistic importance.
359 pages, 4⁷/₈ x 7¹/₈" soft cover $45

HYAKU NIN HYAKU KEN
SHIBATA Mitsuo (1966)
"100 People 100 Swords"; This Japanese language text offers a broad range collection of swords. Includes oshigata of 100 examples: nakago, full, and detail. Of interest is the fact that included are swords of various rankings and not just the high end examples out of reach to most collectors.
281 pages, 4� x 7" hardcover $70

A GLOSSARY OF THE CONSTRUCTION,
DECORATION AND USE OF ARMS AND ARMOR
(In all countries and in all times)
G.C.Stone (r.1961)
Commonly referred to as "Stone's" this is the landmark text covering a remarkable range that is true to its name. Note the samurai in the top right of the cover; Japanese arms, armor, and a wide array of related samurai items figure prominently in Stone's book. Well supported by over 875 photos; it is all here and no text has ever come close.
694 pages, 8� x 11�" hardcover $95.00

Request advance notice e-mail notification of new arrivals.

  203 Main Street, #245
  Flemington, NJ 08822
  U.S.A.

phone:
fax:
e-mail:

1 (908) 397-9283
1 (914) 206-3562
books@satcho.com

Home