Books Page

Japanese Sword Guards: Masterpieces from the Sasano Collection

Must-have reference book on iron tsuba by Sasano Masayuki. Covers early iron as well as all major sukashi groups. Selected tsuba are exquisite, and all photos are of the highest quality, and tsuba are shown in actual size. Commentary for each group is provided as a guide to collectors.
Hardcover hefty book, with 297 tsuba presented in 341 pages. ~8.5" x 12". 1994

$125

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Tsuba Kanshoki

A must-have book for every tsuba collector, by renound author Torigoye. Around 700 tsuba illustrated in clear black and white photos, in their actual size, so a very unsual and valuable reference. Quite a few of Torigoye's tsuba have found their way to market, so its quite possible to find tsuba illustrated in this book. This is the earliest edition, and contains tsuba not illustrated in other Torigoye books or later printings. Click on the image for a link to several reference pages.

Hardcover book comes in original cardboard protective cover, as well as a book slip. 1964, 8 1/4" x 12 1/4", 524 pages

Blow-out price well below market, even in Japan

$125

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Shin Katchushi Meikan

Critical reference book for anyone interested in Japanese armor. Hundreds of armorers with photos of representative works (including some tsuba), and most importantly, their signatures. Text is Japanese, but names are also presented in English.

Softcover book. 2000, 6" x 8.5", 381 pages

$50

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Hanayakane Nihonto Bizen Ichimonji

Gorgeous book, rarely availble on Bizen Ichimonji tradition swords. Published by the Sano Museum, it features 52 important swords, with excellent color photos, oshigata and koshirae images. English plate listing. Highest quality printing. Hardbound edition with sumptuous silk cloth binding in a sleeve. 2007, 8 3/4" x 11 3/4", 164 pages

Blow-out price for this rare book...

$100

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Kokusai Tosogu Kai Catalogues - Various Editions

Kokusai Tosogu Kai catalogues are annual private publications, bringing together select items of tosogu from private collections in Japan, US and EU. Some truly exceptional items, with descriptions in English. Beautifully photographed, well described pieces. Many editions also contain various essays, such as Ezo tosogu, Kofun koshirae, Christian iconography, evolution of habaki, early Goto masters etc... A weatlth of compiled knowledge, and a fantastic and highly collectible series of books especially for western audiences.

Various editions are currently available (though subject to change as books are sold): 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

$50 (per book)

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Jidai Mitokoro-shu

This wonderful book is one of Ikeda's seminal works on early fittings. Ikeda collaborated with the now closed Japanese Fitting Museum, to compile theme-based sets of Mitokoromono (Kogai, Kozuka and Menuki). Most of the works are early Goto school, but some ko-kinko pieces have been included to complete the sets. It is recognized the Fittings Museum took artistic license, and compiled thematic sets of equivalent quality, rather than only publishing surviving original sets. The color photography is very good, and some lovely, previously unpublished works are represented that were sourced from private collections. The book itself has one of the most intricate, high quality book bindings encountered. The book is housed in a sturdy, articulated flip-box. Priced to sell, don't miss this rare opportunity.

Ikeda, 1986. 9" x 12". 163 pages.

$100

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Shosankenshu

Approx. 7.5" x 10", 1 inch thick, An index of signatures and kakihan, with ~ 2,900 names of artists written in Joly's own hand and reproduced in the book. Originally written in 1919, and reprinted in several editions. An essential reference for any collector of tosogu.

$40

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Japanese Armor - The Galeno Collection

Catalog of one of the most important private collections of Japanese armor, with over 100 pieces. All entries and essays on the history of Japanese armor written by Ian Bottomley, Curator of Oriental Arms and Armour at Her Majesty's Royal Armoury. 1998 Hard cover, 211 pages, ~9" x 11". Clear plastic jacket.

Included bonus with this book is the Butterfields auction catalog from 2000 through which the collection was sold, with prices realized listing.

$60

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Meibutsu Token: Takaramono no Nihonto

A compilation of famous signed blades and respective koshirae from various museum collections in Japan. The swords listed were originally compiled and catalogued during the Edo period, on commision by Tokugawa Yoshimune (8th Tokugawa Shogun). Excellent photos of blades and oshigata, as well as koshirae. Excellent, high quality publication at a very low price. Softbound ~8.5" x 11", 226 pages. Japanese and English descriptions and listing.

$50

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Edo no Tanto Koshirae Korekushon

Beautiful, diverse collection of tanto koshirae spanning the Edo period, with excelent photographs and descriptions in Japanese. Most pictured koshirae come from private Japanese collections, and occasionally enter the market, making this book a valuable reference. By Ide Masanobu. Hardbound book, 99 pages, ~8.5" x 8.5".

For a koshirae published in this book, please click this link.

$50

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Kagamishi Tsuba

Useful little book showing some of the best known examples of early Kagamishi tsuba. Black and white quality images. Includes a separate printed English translation. By Sasano Masayuki, 1980, ~7.25 x 7.25", 48 pages.

$25

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The Henry D. Rosin Collection of Japanese Sword Fittings

Overview of select tsuba and tosogu from various schools spanning all periods from Kofun to Edo. Good descriptions in English, with interesting observations on some pieces. Includes special sections on Early menuki and Ezo fittings. Very good reference book, from an important western collection, from which on rare occasion, pieces have entered the market. Hard cover book is covered in a clear plastic dust jacket. ~8.5" x 12", 135 pages.

$50

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100 Masterpieces from the Collection of Dr. Walter A. Compton

Beautiful large format book of a selection of 100 items from the famous Compton Collection. Examples span blades and tosogu. Top qaulity large color photos, essays and glossary of terms. Must-have coffee table book. Published by Christie's, hardbound book in slipcase, 99 pages, ~10" x 14", 321 pages.

$50

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Masamune: A Genius Swordsmith and His Lineage

Comprehensive overview of the Soshu school from its origins in the Bizen tradition through Masamune and his students, as well as later generations. Key blades are shown close-up, in color, with oshigata and associated koshirae images. Published by The Sano Musuem 2002. Softbound book, ~8 3/4" x 11 3/4", 174 pages.

$40

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