Gai Sô Shi

[myochin]

The long awaited publication by Robert Haynes will be available next month. Those who are interested may contact Mr Günther Heckmann (http://www.nihonart.de).

 

Paul.

 

Gai Sô Shi - The Robert E. Haynes Study Collection of Japanese sword fittings

 

Robert E. Haynes was born in 1930, and at the age of 16 aquired his first tsuba. Since this time he has studied this area of Japanese craftwork like almost no other expert and carried out research which goes far beyond the usual activity of a collector. Thousands of objects went through his hands, and till today he still continues to record everything that appears to be of importance with regards to this subject. In the year 2001 his “Index” was published, the most comprehensive documentation of artists in the field of Japanese sword decoration to date. Most of the objects he acquired came and went, he kept only very few in his study collection, out of pleasure or specialist interest. Altogether these 189 objects are to be presented for the first time in a publication. Together with perfect photographic images the individual pieces are described in detail by Robert E. Haynes and set in a comparative scientific context. This makes it possible for the less practiced enthusiast to understand what is so fascinating about these objects, why in particular these

chosen pieces remain in the collection, and why his collection can correctly be called a study collection.

 

The objects are depicted in their original size, and sometimes also with enlarged details, over 236 pages. The chronological arrangement of the pieces, a separate listing of signatures and the presentation of all the pieces in high resolution in the internet, give the reader a new perspective with regards to these masterpieces of Japanese metal artwork, from the simple pleasure of viewing to the deeper scientific

work.

 

An introduction by Robert E. Haynes and a foreword by Yoshio Watanabe and Terutaka Kawabata from Tokyo, demonstrates the international acceptance of Robert E. Haynes, whose opinion is also appreciated by many experts even in Japan.

 

Gai Sô Shi is available in the languages German, English and Japanese, at the price of 128,- Euro plus post and packaging. The publication will be digitally printed and will appear in a small initial print run which will be extended according to demand.

[Ford Hallam]

Hi Paul,

 

this sounds very exciting. Is it possible to see some sample pages perhaps. I didn't see anything on the Nihon Art site.

 

Thanks for the notification.

 

regards,

 

ford

[myochin]

Hi Ford,

 

For of all, for everyone, I am only relaying info here and am not involved in this publication at all.

There is indeed no mention of this publication on the Nihon Art web site yet. I received a letter from the publisher as I have already purchased from them in the past so I am sure others will have received the same letter. I asked Mr Heckmann if I could post this information on the forum.

I am sure this will be a great book. Mr Haynes has been collecting since he was 16, that's 64 years now. This publication illsutrates only 189 tsuba that he has kept throughout his career, they can only be of very high quality/interest.

 

Paul.

[Ford Hallam]

Hi Peter,

 

sorry, I didn't realise you were only the messenger :D

 

I'm sure the book will be quite fine....still be nice to know what will be examined

 

I'm sure Mr Heckman will let us know soon enough.

 

regards,

 

fh

[Soshin]

Paul,

 

Just sent Mr. Heckmann a email asking for more information about this upcoming publication. It looks really nice as I have read other works by Robert E. Haynes on this topic and found them very helpful.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David S.

[Surfson]

Has this book ever been published? I remember Bob carrying around his huge notebook overflowing with Kao and signatures. I would be interested in getting it if it is out.

[Thierry BERNARD]

I received my book today ( before paying ), seems interresting :D :D :D

[Brian]

I am (hopefully) expecting a copy soon, and will put up a detailed review with pics.

Looking forward to it, seems their publications are well done from what i have seen.

 

Brian

[Curran]

Yes, many of us waiting for pictures.

Won't be able to afford the book for a while, but doesn't mean I cannot appreciate it. Hope someone brings a copy to the Tampa show.

[ububob]

Fred Weissberg brought an advance copy to the past meeting of the NCJSC. The photography, as you would expect, is stunning. :D

[yogoro]

Yes , this book seems interresting.I have my copy too (-:

Here some pictures

 

regards

 

Mikolaj

[yogoro]

...and more pictures

 

Mikolaj