bigjohnshea

Dear Fellow Collectors, Another installment of my book sales. Nearly all the books in my collection were dedicated to oshigata of blades, so nearly all these books have extensive oshigata printed in them, the exceptions are a few that we are largely aware of as beginners books. The value of most of these are not conducive to incrementally dropping prices, so I will rely on people to make offers if they are keen on books. Photos of most of most of these books are available online, so it felt silly to generate more photos. They are all in very good/excellent condition. Otherwise as noted below. Additional photos available if desired. Shipping can be discussed on a case by case basis. Cheers! John Meihin Katanaezu Shusei by Tanobe Sensei 750$ One of the grande large format books. The book itself in excellent condition, slipcase bump and dented in places. A collection of some of the greatest masterworks with an English index, compiled by one of greatest minds in Japanese sword study. Japanese Swordsmiths, Commemorative Centenary Edition by Hawley 400$ Two volumes in one slipcase. Condition overall very good. Limited edition (300 copies) printed with correction of errors in the original. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious collectors. Nihon Token Jiten by Fujishiro 225$ Two volumes. Tight bindings. Slipcases are bruised but holding together. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious students of Nihonto. The first book I always reached for when researching a blade. Gyobutsu Tohaku Meito Oshigata by Sato and Numata 200$ Large format book, no slipcase, bruised but good readable condition. Collected oshigata of the swords in the Imperial Household Collection. Some of the finest most historic blades in Japanese history. Tokubetsu Juyo Token Nado Zufu vol 7 75$ Tokubetsu Juyo Token Nado Zufu vol 10 75$ As expected. The blades of that ranking from the years covered by that volume. Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords 25$ Often the first book a Nihonto collector will pick up. One Hundred Masterpieces from the Collection of Dr. Walter A. Compton 50$ A well known book of exceptional masterworks, presented by Christies. Excellent condition. The Collected Study of Japanese Swords as Compiled by Fred Fimio (deceased, founder of Japanese Sword Society of Canada) 250$ These are three binders, nearly full of xerox copies of oshigata from famous and studied swords, as well as xerox copies of articles in English regarding the history of the Japanese sword. A lifetime of knowledge collected over decades by a scholar of the sword in his own time. Japanese Sword Mounts in the Collection of the Field Museum 25$ A hardbound small format book with many images of koshirae from the Field collection. Showa Dai-Meito Zufu (Showa Edition, Great Masterpieces of Japanese Art Swords) by NBTHK and Homma 325$ Three volumes, in slipcases, two volumes of oshigata and one volume of translation to English. Excellent condition. Large format. An easy to use set of books of Showa era masterpieces. Worth every penny and more. Kotetsu and Kiyomaro: Special Exhibition of The Sano Art Museum 150$ Oshigata and photos of dozens of Kotetsu and Kiyomaru swords. Hardbound in slipcase. An excellent book for fans of these schools or Nihonto in general. Lineage of the Treasure Swords: Masterpieces from the Collection of the Futarasan-Jinja Shrine 50$ Paperback, great condition, some captions in English, otherwise Japanese with an appreciable selection of the finest blades in the collection of a legendary shrine, including O-dachi and Tachi of unparalleled lengths. Yushuto Zuroku Vol. 1, 2, 3 (by the NTHK) Vol 4 (by the NTHK-NPO) 450$ (On Hold) The swords that were awarded Yushu level papers by the NTHK (and NTHK-NPO) are presented in crisp oshigata and photos. Kiya Oshigata by Dr. Homma 700$ (On Hold) Only 300 copies made. Essentially two enormous folding pages of 173 full length oshigata for famous blades in the Tokugawa collection. Oshigata by Dr. Homma facilitated by the Kiya polishing family who worked for the Tokugawa. Soshu Den Meisaku Shu by Dr. Homma 375$ (On Hold) A large format text with an absolutely stunning collection of Soshu blades shown.

Gassan books sold Kiya Oshigata sold Soshu Den sold Yushuto Zuroku sold Others still available unless mentioned as sold above. Motivated for sale. Please make offers as you like. ????

Gassan book on hold. I have two actually so if anyone wants a copy still let me know.

I agree. These books will be missed, but they have to be sold, and eventually can be replaced...

The following are on hold: Kiya Oshigata Yushuto Zuroku Treasured Swords of the Uesugi Clan Soshu Den Meisaku Shu Nihon Token Jiten by Fujishiro

Bump. Avoid crappy swords on fleabay. By an invaluable Nihonto book instead!

These are all sold now. ????

Jason, If lay away works better for you, send me a pm. A proper deposit can resolve this problem for you and I can give you time to pay the rest. Let me know. ????

Just a taste... ????

I'm shocked that some of the books comprised of full length oshigata have not sold yet. Full length oshigata of famous blades are not easy to get your hands on...

It's true, Vajo. People do not realize how important books like this are until they start to really study from them. Unless you live in Japan and can study these blades first hand, having these types of books is the next best thing. In terms of knowledge gained, they are worth the price of a Juyo blade...

Meibutsu Token: Takaramono no Nihonto SOLD

Not opposed to layaway if the deposit amount and terms fit my needs. Cheers!

If you are interested in something please do not hesitate to make offers. Relatively motivated here...

Meibutsu Token: Takaramono no Nihonto on hold Nihonto Newsletters on hold

Dear Fellow Collectors, Another installment of my book sales. Nearly all the books in my collection were dedicated to oshigata of blades, so nearly all these books have extensive oshigata printed in them, the exceptions are a few that we are largely aware of as beginners books. The value of most of these are not conducive to incrementally dropping prices, so I will rely on people to make offers if they are keen on books. Photos of most of these books are available online, so it felt silly to generate more photos. They are all in very good/excellent condition. Shipping can be discussed on a case by case basis. Cheers! John Japanese Swordsmiths: Commemorative Centenary Edition, by Hawley 500$ Two volumes in one slipcase. Condition overall very good. Limited edition (300 copies) printed with correction of errors in the original. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious collectors. Nihon Token Jiten by Fujishiro 400$ Two volumes. Tight bindings. Slipcases are bruised but holding together. As a reference work it is invaluable to serious students of Nihonto. The first book I always reached for when researching a blade. Nihonto Newsletters: Reformatted 200$ The complete Five years of newsletters by Yamanaka. Reformatted and reprinted by The Northern California Japanese Sword Club. 2004. 4 volumes. Has all the original content but has been completely rearranged into a more logical whole and added a table of contents" Meito Oshigata Shu & Token Oshigata Shu 400$ 3 volumes of foldout, full length, life size oshigata from the Atsuta Jinju (shrine). Hayashibara Bijutsukan Meito Zufu 95$ 131 pieces, swords and koshirae from the Hayashibara Museum in Okayama Shin Nihonto no Kantei Nyumon with translation 175$ A book to teach you Kantei skills with translation by Watson. An amazing reference... Tanto no Bi: The Beauty of Tanto 170$ Self explanatory. Loads of oshigata of beautiful and rare tantos. Famous Masterpieces of Chikuzen Samonji 75$ Self explanatory. Meibutsu Token: Takaramono no Nihonto (Treasured Japanese Swords) 50$ Catalog of swords from a large exhibition spanning 4 museums in Japan. Nihonto Kyo no Meisho: Rai Ha no Ryusei 70$ English translation of the title explains it well. "The Rise and Prosperity of Masterful Rai School in Kyoto." Kamakura era Rai is a crucial school and period to know well. Tokubetsu Juyo Token Nado Zufu vol 7 100$ Tokubetsu Juyo Token Nado Zufu vol 10 100$ As expected. The blades of that ranking from the years covered by that volume. Soshu Den Meisaku Shu by Dr. Homma 375$ A large format text with an absolutely stunning collection of Soshu blades shown. Japanese Master Swordsmiths: The Gassan Tradition 35$ A history in text and images of the Gassan school. Early Famed Works of Kyoto Smiths 35$ Self explanatory Treasured Swords of the Uesugi Clan 100$ Photos of rarely seen blades and other items from feudal Japan previously in the collection of the Uesugi Clan. Nippon-To: Art Swords of Japan. Compton Collection 35$ We all know Compton's collection. Masamune: A Genius Swordsmith and His Lineage 120$ An excellent reference book on the subject of the elusive master. The Japanese Sword: Iron Craftsmanship and the Warrior Spirit 60$ From a Special Exhibition at the National Museum. Chock full of sword images and antiquities from feudal Japan. Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords 30$ Often the first book a Nihonto collector will pick up. The Connoisours Book of Japanese Swords 50$ Often the second book a Nihonto collector will pick up. Yushuto Zuroku Vol. 1, 2, 3 (by the NTHK) Vol 4 (by the NTHK-NPO) 450$ The swords that were awarded Yushu level papers by the NTHK (and NTHK-NPO) are presented in crisp oshigata and photos. Kiya Oshigata by Dr. Homma 700$ Only 300 copies made. Essentially two enormous folding pages of 173 full length oshigata for famous blades in the Tokugawa collection. Oshigata by Dr. Homma facilitated by the Kiya polishing family who worked for the Tokugawa.

Nihonto Taikan now 2000$ (Unheard of) Kokuho Token Zufu now 700$ Kanzan Token Koza now 500$ Not going any lower on these. Will keep them up another few days at this price then they will be withdrawn. Cheers!

Nihonto Taikan now 2100$ (Unheard of) Kokuho Token Zufu now 775$ Kanzan Token Koza now 550$ We're getting to the point where they may not worth selling... Have a goal number I need to reach in a few days and if I can't get there selling these then the whole thing may be pointless.

Nihonto Taikan now 2300$ (Now actually the best deal you will ever see on these books) Kokuho Token Zufu now 850$ Kanzan Token Koza now 600$ These need to sell so dropping prices again same day.

Nihonto Taikan now 2500$ (Probably the best deal you will ever see on these books. They usually sell for closer to 5k) Kokuho Token Zufu now 900$ Kanzan Token Koza now 675$ Shipping still, and will always be extra, but can work out a split with you if you buy the Kanzan or the Taikan. Cheers!

I took an offer. It sold for less. Always happy to hear offers folks!

Nihonto Koza is sold.

Don't be afraid to make an offer if you see something you need Big

Dear Fellow Collectors, Putting some Nihonto books up for sale starting with some complete sets. We can discuss shipping if you are interested. Not open to trades at this time. Will not split up the sets. These are all listed at my acquisition cost but I am open to offers. Anyone who has dealt with me before knows I welcome offers. :-) Contact me here or at my email bigjohnshea@yahoo.com. Cheers, John Nihonto Taikan 2800$ Complete set of 7 volumes in very good condition. Some areas of damage from general use. Slipcases and books in overall very enjoyable condition. Bindings are tight. Pages clean. If you do not know about these books, here is a description borrowed from Grey's website: "This is the greatest of all books on Nihonto, the most thorough and massive of all. You get 3 volumes on Koto, 2 volumes on Shinto, and one each on Kodogu and Koshirae. Sharp photos in color and black & white and excellent oshigata, many fold out spreads in the Koshirae volume, the most important swords and highest quality fittings: nothing but the best." See photos here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/twjlsxpqb9cdt60/AAAnlPvJSpQFBXKthox89lr_a?dl=0 Nihonto Koza as translated by Watson 1100$ Complete set of 6 volumes in very good condition. Minimal to no blemishes in the volumes. Great useful copies. One of the best resources in English on the topic of Nihonto. See photos here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/phkotqagw9ysr5x/AAC5M4fUHVE8dmh1zbUbcz6ua?dl=0 Kokuho Token Zufu 1000$ This is less of a book and more of a photo series of all the treasure swords which were designated as such prior to WW2 era. There are 16 folders in a cloth bound folding case with loose photo plates in each. All in very good condition with only minimal blemishes to the set. Again, a description from Grey's site: "This is a very important and difficult to find reference. 164 heavy paper plates with the swords that were ranked Kokuho (National Treasure) before WWII. Between the plates is a sheet of lighter weight paper with descriptions, history I bet, and other information. Almost all the plates are crisp photos (remarkably crisp for the time) but there are a few oshigata." See photos here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/leavgsps9er268c/AABZVarzKsXF084tatKrZazqa?dl=0 Kanzan Token Koza 750$ All 6 volumes of the noted reference work published in honor of Dr. Kanzan Sato after his death. Compiled and written by some of the greatest minds in Nihonto during that time. Comes with a table of contents and index translated into English. Books and slipcases are in great condition. Vols 1-4 detailing works of the Shinto and Shin-Shinto eras, with Vols 5-6 dealing with kodogu and koshirae. See photos here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kc1yhclx3mgmjvd/AAANO0jcYoqR52YRMaUxn_u2a?dl=0

The trick is to not be broke, at all times.