Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths

Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths: From 1868 to the Present. By: Leon and Hiroko Kapp Yoshindo Yoshihara.

The lineage of the Japanese sword can be traced back over a thousand years and throughout its long history the sword has emerged as one of Japan’s most durable cultural assets. Part of its mythical appeal lies in the unique harmony of its historical roles as a deadly handheld weapon embodiment of the samurai spirit and powerful symbol of warfare.

In this authoritative new book Leon and Hiroko Kapp together with leading swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara coauthors of the best selling The Craft of the Japanese Sword describe the most recent period of sword history and present the work of key craftsmen active today. Through a detailed chronicle of major events in the modern sword world the authors illustrate the developments in sword making its movement into artistic spheres and the challenge swordsmiths have faced over the last century.

Many of today’s smiths seek to revive the ancient arts of sword forging and at the same time create a vital and meaningful artistic role for the sword in a modern context. In part three of this book the authors present informative interviews with twenty two modern smiths who demonstrate how the blade’s aesthetic power derives from a symmetry of the sword’s basic elements – steel shape and texture – and this harmony affords the blade a singular and delicate beauty. Part four widens the scope beyond swordsmiths to include perspectives from other experts involved in gendaito from martial arts practitioner to metallurgist. The book also includes comprehensive and intricate lineage charts of the major historical schools.

The heightened aesthetic sense that characterises the contemporary sword and its production has ushered in what can be categorised as a distinctly new piece of sword history – shin-gendaito. Throughout this book the authors make a compelling argument for the introduction of this new term which can more accurately reflect the dynamiv changes that have taken place in this most modern chapter of sword history. Lavishly illustrated with rare historical photographs and works of the best smiths including Living National Treasures this will be essential reading for the student and connossieur alike as well as readers interested in skilled craftmanship in general.

Your Price: $99.95
Giri Club Price: $89.96

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