Where and how to start

[Ford Hallam]

Following the lengthy, and sometimes passionate, discussion and debate around Paul Martin's latest translation project; "Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords" it was generally agreed, certain controversial opinions not withstanding, the book is a valuable addition to the resources available in English. It also seems that the consensus of more experienced members is that it's not suitable for beginners.

 

However, I'm left with the feeling we've not really provided a satisfactory alternative.

 

What books would best serve the needs of beginners and what specific material and information in these books best lays down a good grounding for the new student of Nihonto? I would also ask that if you recommend a particular book it would be most helpful if you could additionally provide your reasoning and perhaps even some indication of what the book provides.

 

At this point I must add that in no way do I consider myself anything more than vaguely conversant with blades as such and that my motivation in asking these questions is merely to try to establish some sort of agreed curriculum for the newcomer in this field.

 

thanks for reading and for your considerations,

 

ford

[David Flynn]

Ford, thank you for raising this issue. I agree it's easy for and experienced collector to say that, that particular book is not for beginners. When I started, the only real books available, were, The Japanese sword, by Sato, The arts of the Japanese sword, Robinson and of course John Yumoto's handbook. May I start the ball rolling, with a sugestion, that, The craft of the Japanese sword, Yoshihara and Kapp would now be a good starting point.

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

what specific material and information

 

I suppose we're talking about beginners able to read english (you don't know how many in Italy dislike foreign sources, with obvious consequences as the INTK project to translate the Nagayama).

 

I would suggest that the very basics as smithy, terminology and developement nowadays can be found in some fine online sites, recommended by specific boards as this one. These websites sould be accompained (IMHO) with the reading of the basics of Japanese history.

 

Having said this I think it could be safe to jump to the Nagayama, *after* having read and understand the cited sites. This because the Nagayama provides a larger view and deeper information on what is already available online. Only fault is his rather poor images.

 

Sato is another good suggestion.

 

My 2 cents.

[Lee Bray]

My first book was Connoisseurs by Nagayama but only because it was the only one available in Hong Kong. Shortly after Nagayama came Kapp, Sato and Yumoto.

Of those, Kapp was the most useful and enlightening.

Sato was good with perhaps more historical background and some good eye candy(always useful for beginners).

Yumoto I did not find to be that useful.

[DirkO]

As an absolute beginner book I would recommend the following :

 

 

It is very visual and covers the basics (also in English), I also believe there's a revised version nowadays ?

[Lee Bray]

The Art of the Japanese Sword by Kunihira Kawachi and Masao Manabe is a very good beginner book.

Chapters on sword care and appreciation, how a sword is made, dates and historical blades, pictures of various tooling, plenty of eye candy, essays from a few artisans associated with swords and a list of places throughout the world where swords can be viewed.

[sanjuro]

I'd like to add my 2 cents worth if I may, since this is a worthwhile topic and an opportunity to point the newbies in the right direction.

My first book was Yumoto, not terribly informative but a good start for those interested in gunto and gendaito. The most enjoyable of my first books was Sato for the reasons already stated and also that it is written in easy to understand language with plenty of explanations attached to the pictures of fine blades. The bibliography of Sato's book alone is worth buying the book for.

Kapp and Yoshihara is a must for anyone who wants to understand the mechanics of sword making and the basic habaki and shirasaya production. Its also a great read.

The book recommended by Zanshin The introduction to Japanese sword through pictures is a great little book also. Lots of Pics and information about swords and how ro clean them and handle them properly. Tying sageo and such is information you dont usually find all in one place.

As already noted, an undertstanding of Japanese history is also very important, and although they are not exhaustive, Turnbull's range of books on Japanese history and the samurai is an easily read starting point for the beginner. Tons of pics too!

For any serious nihontophile the Sword and Same' by Joly and Hogitaro a translation of Arai Hakuseki's original work, is a must. Its hard reading, but the appendices and notations on almost every page make it a fountain of information.

 

These will lead you to other sources and more authoratative works by a whole range of authors. The path you follow from these basic books is then of your own choosing. :D

[Grey Doffin]

If I was asked this question by a beginner who was serious about understanding Nihonto, who wanted to see and collect quality, I would tell him the following. Start with Yumoto, Robinson, and/or Sato. Read The Craft of the Japanese Sword to start towards knowing just how complex and exacting the work that goes into these objects is. I would then have him read The Facts and Fundamentals of the Japanese Sword 3 times. No other book in English explains just what constitutes quality in Nihonto as well as this book does. And then I would tell him to somehow get his hands on the 59 volumes of "Token Bijutsu" English edition by the NBTHK, which is, for me, the best ever in the language on the subject.

Grey

[Ford Hallam]

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far, Gents. All good stuff

 

One thing that does occur is the fact that there is bound to be some overlap in content.

 

For instance, Yumoto's The Japanese Sword, a Handbook and Robinson's The Arts of the Japanese Sword are invariably both offered as pretty much the first step but are both really necessary? Money no object , sure, buy everything :lol: but if we have to cut it down to essentials which would you go for...and why? I always felt, Yumoto's, which I got later, was somewhat superfluous.

 

As far as the actual craft there's no argument I suppose, Yoshindo and Kapps book, The Craft of the Japanese Sword is as complete as anyone would need.

 

I remember when I got my copy of Kanzan Sato's The Japanese Sword ( my birthday in 1985 :D ) I felt that finally I was learning about why these things we so revered and were really art objects. Obviously I didn't really have a clue but it did help me appreciate the cultural value a little better....it took the subject beyond antique weapon collecting, for me anyway.

 

I've also always found Swords of the Samurai by Victor Harris and Nobuo Ogasawara pretty good in terms of a general overview of periods and cultural milieu. It accompanied the 1990 exhibition at the British Museum.

Anyone have any thoughts on this book?

 

The NBTHK journals are solid reference material, I totally agree, Grey, but getting hold of them is quite difficult. I have quite a few though most of mine are the Japanese editions. I wonder if it might not be feasible at some point to collate all the English editions as an online resource at some point. With the NBTHK's approval of course....

[Jamie]

These three were what I started with. I think that together they make for a good start. While they do have a bit of overlapping info-they all have their unique pieces of info as well. And while I won't hang on to the first two-The Connoisseurs provides a very good easy reference book. The Art provides a nice look from "inside" being written by a smith.

 

Samurai Sword: A Handbook

~John Yumato

The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library)

~ Kanzan Sato

The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords

~ Kokan Nagayama

The Art of the Japanese Sword- Kunihira Kawachi and Masao Manabe

 

The second part of a good start is listening and taking advice from collectors.

I read these books before making any purchases. And because of that I am happy with all purchases made.

 

Good handling advice to:

http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

I've also always found Swords of the Samurai by Victor Harris and Nobuo Ogasawara pretty good in terms of a general overview of periods and cultural milieu. It accompanied the 1990 exhibition at the British Museum. Anyone have any thoughts on this book?

 

As I (and likely most here) own all the books mentioned so far, I'd say that this one is the most "Eye-candy" of them. Definitively a good one if you're searching for very basic historical

developement references, but IMHO lacks in most of the needed basics, i.e. visual glossary of blade, activities and hada. IMHO it should be accompained by something a little more technical.

Good suggestion one of the small booklets mentioned above.

 

Anyway, I still remains fashioned by my old, original copy of Nagayama's work. No eyecandy at all, but...

[cabowen]

I take a pragmatic approach....

 

To get a reasonably well rounded viewpoint, I recommend studying the art, history, use and craft of the sword. But before that, one needs the vocabulary and rudimentary Japanese skills to read dates and mei. So my recommendation starts with language and vocabulary:

 

Yumoto's Handbook, for sword vocabulary

Koop and Inada's "Japanese names and how to read them" or Nelson's for kanji.

 

Next, Sato's for art and history

Kapp, for craft

maybe one of the martial artists can recommend a good english text on swordsmanship.....I don't remember the titles of the couple I have....

 

Once these are digested, more advanced material, such as Nagayama, followed by Nakahara.

 

I would stress the importance of learning fundamental kanji as used for dates and mei. Once, you have those, you can start learning the kanji used in sword descriptions. This will open up another world. If you can not read these, you will be stuck in first gear....

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

But before that, one needs the vocabulary and rudimentary Japanese skills to read dates and mei. So my recommendation starts with language and vocabulary:

 

This is a good point and remind me of some rather cheap but useful booklets by Hawley about this subject, booklets that have not been mentioned yet.

[Eric H]

THE ART OF THE Japanese SWORD

B.W. Robinson

available second hand

recommended, as far as I know it is what B.W. Robinson has translated from Honami Konson‘s Book

 

THE Japanese SWORD A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Kanzan Sato, Translated by Joe Earle

recommended

 

THE CONNOISSEUR‘S BOOK OF Japanese SWORDS

Kokan Nagayama, Translated by Kenji Mishina

recommended, very elaborate, though some illustrations are to small to see the details

 

THE CRAFT OF THE Japanese SWORD

Leon and Hiroko Kapp, Yoshindo Yoshihara

recommended, a must, the manufacturing of a sword from A to Z

 

FACTS AND FUNDAMENTALS OF Japanese SWORDS

A COLLECTOR‘S GUIDE

Nobuo Nakahara, Translated by Paul Martin

recommended, clearly as it states with facts but also some unorthodox views but with additional explanations by Paul Martin

 

TOKEN BIJUTSU ENGLISH EDITION - 1979 - 1993

highly recommended, the academic approach to the understanding of the Japanese Sword

 

Eric

[Nihonto Chicken]

I believe my first book was Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945 (Fuller & Gregory). Not the ideal first text, but I bought it only because I was simultaneously purchasing my first nihonto at a militaria antique store, and this book plus my age assessment convinced me that the kamikaze tanto was legit, as it indeed proved to be, although with a mill steel blade as it turned out.

 

My first general text was Yumoto, and I still think it's not bad, it's better to spend a few more bucks and take small steps getting into the awfully deep waters of nihonto. From there it's a good move as many have mentioned to Sato and Yoshihara & Kapp, perhaps throw in Harris & Ogasawara and Bottomley & Hopson as well for spice.

 

What has perhaps not been mentioned so far is a robust glossary/dictionary of nihonto terms, such has been published by the To-ken Society of Great Britain and (I think) the Northern California Japanese Sword Club (likely others as well). Very helpful when running into new terms as one's education progresses.

 

Once one has a good start with these basics, it's time for The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords by Nagayama. Too much for a neophyte to begin with, this is a really good book for someone who has assimilated the other basic texts, and a branching point for more in-depth (and expensive) books (Fujishiro, etc). I have much admiration for the Nagayama text in "bringing it all together", a seriously worthwhile book, IMO.

[mdiddy]

In addition to Yumoto/Kapp/Sato/Robinson, I might also add the following: 100 Masterpieces from the Collection of Dr. Walter A. Compton and Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868 (companion to last year's Met exhibit). I would add these not so much for technical insight but rather for the high-level overview essays, detailed large photographs, and to Carlo's chagrin that they are in English.

 

I do agree with Carlo regarding fine sites online and they may be a more efficient delivery of info than something like Yumoto.

 

For fittings, how about Lethal Elegance: The Art of Samurai Sword Fittings for overview, pictures, and in English and Masayuki Sasano's Early Japanese Sword Guards: Sukashi Tsuba for at least the pictures. I would be particularly keen to hear Ford and other's opinions on what books would be good for a new student of fittings (which I am ).

[hybridfiat]

Is there a book with (say just as a start) 1000 - 2000 good quality large format pictures of swords categorised into era, school and smith.

I ask this because we are all urged to study as many swords as possible. Thats fine if you have access. For many to see 10 swords of any age in one place at one time would be a very rare event. So we see pics describing general characteristics and hope to match them one day with A sword maybe, if we are lucky.

I was unable to confidently interpret ECGs until a years exposure to hundreds of real examples in cardiology. Slight differences in a wave pattern will confuse until youve seen dozens and know how to pick the important characteristics.

[cabowen]

The NBTHK publishes a series of books of juyo and of tokubetsu juyo. I imagine if you picked up the complete set, you would have a thousand or so blades to study. Would be quite costly though.....

[Henry Wilson]

If I am thinking of the same ROBINSON book that people are recommending.

 

I don't like it and I had a copy but got rid of it when I read what he recommends to be done to some tsuba. If I recall placing them in a fire and rubbing shoe polish on them... or something like that for some reason or other.

[Jamie]

Steve,

 

You might try looking at Aoi Art, and few of the other sites listed in the links. Many have better pictures than you'll find in many books. Aoi art has excellent close up pictures, and the descriptions are written by very knowledgable folks. Some others have very good close up pictures as well.

Good luck

Jamie

[sanjuro]

I must agree with Henry regarding BW Robinson's book, 'The Arts of the Japanese Sword'. It isnt one I would recommend at all. Anyone who suggests you apply Duraglit to a blade has some serious issues with credibility in my view. Putting wax and old ends of bootpolish on a tsuba to spruce up the patina is also a desecration rather than a renovation. Such suggestions are but the ravings of a man who knew little about swords and tosogu, but thought he knew much. The book is archaic and innacurate in its treatment of basic facts. The only value in this book is in the appendices, which even though they have a reasonable accuracy do not mitigate the other rubbish that the book is strewn with. IMHO

[Ford Hallam]

If I am thinking of the same ROBINSON book that people are recommending.

 

I don't like it and I had a copy but got rid of it when I read what he recommends to be done to some tsuba. If I recall placing them in a fire and rubbing shoe polish on them... or something like that for some reason or other.

 

Henry,

 

it may have been a bit hasty to get rid of the book because of that one section regarding tsuba care . At the time it seems this was the sort of the accepted approach. Perhaps merely ignoring that bit would have been a less extreme reaction :D The core of the book, though, is a reasonable description of schools ( fittings and blades) as well as decent descriptions of decorative techniques employed. The sections on deciphering inscriptions are also quite handy, especially for the first timer trying to make sense of a mei. I know Reinhard shares you disdain for the book but personally I still feel it's probably a pretty good introduction to the whole subject, blades and fittings. Admittedly, the photographs could be far better.

 

I agree with the suggestion that the essays in "100 Masterpieces from the Collection of Dr. Walter A. Compton" are well worth a read...or two.

 

While I appreciate the quality of the images in " Lethal Elegance" and know Joe Early quite well I can't recommend the book as a good general overview on fittings. It is very much a catalogue of selected examples of the BMFA and doesn't accurately reflect the whole tradition. The heavy emphasis on very late Edo and Meiji works, for example, reflects the taste of a number of wealthy benefactors of the museum who bought tsuba in Japan from living artists at the time. The museums larger, and more expensive catalogue, by Nobuo Ogasawara is far more representative and presents a good selection of blades too...oshigata and photos. There's an accompanying booklet of terminology, with pics to illustrate, that very good also.

 

The museums on-line resource is magnificent....more than 3000 tsuba and fitting and all very well photographed and available as large images for careful study. Here's a link

You can use the search function to look for particular schools, artists, materials or themes.

 

There are valid criticisms regarding unreliable mei on tsuba in the Baur collection however, as a fairly good overview of the tradition, with reasonable examples as to style and appearance, I think B W Robinsons catalogue is still quite useful.

 

The Red Cross catalogue; JJ JOLY & TOMITA, Japanese ART & HANDICRAFT is a very good catalogue, covering as it does the whole continuum. The 1976 reprint can occasionally be found quite reasonably priced.

 

With all the older books though it worth remembering that various theories regarding the history of these schools etc have altered somewhat but I think there's still a wealth of good stuff to had in these catalogues and the exposure to the huge number of images will undoubtedly help build up a good visual memory on which to base ones appraisals.

 

Keith, I see you're quite rabid in your rejection of Robinson's book :D The section on care and treatment aside ( I think we've all know better noadays ) could you perhaps provide some examples of "the ravings of a man who knew little about swords and tosogu, but thought he knew much. "

I'd be interested to hear more how it's so " innacurate in its treatment of basic facts" and what all the ..... "other rubbish that the book is strewn with." I ask because I don't share your, apparently quite vehement , view and am wondering what I'm missing that I am not similarly dismissive of the book.

[Henry Wilson]

Hi Ford

 

I suppose it was a bit hasty but I thought about it for about 6 months :D and it was a cluttering up the bookshelf. It lost all credibility to me when I read again and again the horror stories of what was done to stuff back in the olden days.

 

For a beginner book it could put wrong ideas into peoples mind I think.

[Jean]

Backkground. He did good for his time. Look at this short article :

 

http://www.to-ken.com/ ===> go to articles

[Ford Hallam]

Hi Henry,

 

well...you are in Tokyo and space is always an issue :lol:

 

I've just had a quick browse through it again. I have to say, I still think it's a pretty good introduction.

 

The section on care, all 2 and a half pages , does have some parts that are considered ill advised in light of today's understanding. It's also worth noting that the suggestions for repatinating ect were actually offered by an A R Newman and not Robinson himself.

 

I would also remark on Robinson's advice regarding care of blades. Clearly he is talking about blades with active rust and his suggestions regarding the use of duraglit and pins etc, while frowned on today, would most likely not have caused serious damage to the blades.

 

At the end of that paragraph he remarks; " But these are only makeshift measures, and the proper restoration and repolishing of a damaged, scoured, or rusted blade can only be effected by a professional Japanese polisher."

 

Throughout these few pages on care and cleaning is the repeated caution to do less, to leave well alone when in doubt etc etc. I think it fair to remember this was at a time when Japan was really a million miles away and getting blades to polishers was really not an option. These DIY tips he provides can best be ignored today but much of what else he has to say in terms of care is still applicable....with the exception of the use pure clove oil. and the regular application of uchiko.

 

Looking though the other chapters I would say you'd be hard pressed to find any one book that so eloquently and thoroughly introduces the basics and language of the subject.

 

In the synopsis on the dust cover is a quote from a review of the first edition that reads; " a masterpiece of selective condensation". A masterpiece? , we could debate this but consider how much, still relevant, accurate and usable information is presented in less than 100 pages of text and I think the point is well made. The other half of the book is given over the photographs that help to build a reasonable picture in one's mind of what this tradition looks like.

 

Thanks for that link, Jean. It's "articles", a piece by A V Norman entitled "My Friend"

[Eric H]

B.W. Robinson...

but the ravings of a man who knew little about swords and tosogu, but thought he knew much. The book is archaic and innacurate in its treatment of basic facts. The only value in this book is in the appendices, which even though they have a reasonable accuracy do not mitigate the other rubbish that the book is strewn with.

Who feels called upon to fill his shoes must bring big feet! Where are the candidates of this Board who are willing to try?...please report

 

Eric

[cabowen]

I have heard that several of the swords illustrated in Robinson's book are in fact gimei.....anyone else hear this?

[paulb]

Hi Chris,

I have also heard but cant remember the source. Remembering when it was written at what was availale at the time it would be a little surprising if there weren't gimei blades illustrated. We are just very fortunate that we have far better access to information than B. Robinson ever did.

 

Regarding some of the more vitriolic comments made so far by others on this thread

Does Robinson have value today? I agree with Ford, selectively he does.

Is his work full of errors and the ravings of an idiot?, absolutely not. It certainly has errors which have come to light based on later research, the same is true of the NBTHK, the NTHK or any other body studying in this area. If we didnt make mistakes and modify our views based on what we have learned where is the progress?

With the material available to him and with his commitment and effort my understanding is that he did more to promote and preserve this art than anyone else in the west (certainly the UK) at that time.

Equally important his reputation as a kind and knowedgible gentleman willing to help others learn and understand stand him in high regard.

Unfortunately some appear too willing to "bad mouth" that which has gone before a little too easily.

I wonder in years to come whether others will be as uncharitable about our efforts as we appear to be about his.

Regards

Paul

[Eric H]

I have heard that several of the swords illustrated in Robinson's book are in fact gimei.....anyone else hear this?

That's a fact, some of those swords turned out to be gimei.

 

Thank you Paul for your comment that gives justice on the merits of a veritable gentleman's life's work

 

Eric

[Lee Bray]

Does Robinson have value today? I agree with Ford, selectively he does.

 

I've no comment on the work as I've never read it, however, as this is a thread on where to begin reading for beginners, I have to ask, "How does a beginner make that selection?"

A beginner doesn't have the necessary knowledge to differentiate the good from the bad.