One of the foremost experts on the Japanese sword describes their history andppreciations in this book, with photographs and illustrations.

"This extensively illustrated catalogue is published in conjunction with the first comprehensive exhibition devoted to the arts of the samurai, including the finest examples of swords - the spirit of the samurai - as well as sword mountings and fittings, armor and helmets, saddles, textiles, and paintings. The works in the catalogue, drawn from public and private collections in Japan, include 34 officially designated National Treasures and 64 Important Cultural Properties, the largest number ever to be shown together at one time. Dating from the 5th to the early 20th century, these majestic objects offer a complete picture of samurai culture and its unique blend of the martial and the refined." "Many of the greatest Japanese swordsmiths are represented in this volume, from early masters such as Yasuie (12th century) and Tomomitsu (14th century) to the Edo-period smiths Nagasone Kotetsu and Kiyomaro. The blades by these and other masters, cherished as much for their beauty as for their cutting efficiency, were equipped with elaborate hilts and scabbards prized for their exquisite craftsmanship and fine materials such as silk, rayskin, gold, lacquer, and certain alloys unique to Japan. Japanese armor is also fully surveyed, from the rarest iron armor of the Kofun period (5th century) to the inventive ceremonial helmets made toward the end of the age of the samurai." --Book Jacket.

The motifs are organized according to broad thematic categories such as "the cosmos, heaven and earth" and "animals of the land and sea," among others, allowing for broad reading on a number of topics of interest to a wide variety of readers, including collectors of Asian art and students of Japan.".

The magazine of the arts for connoisseurs and collectors.

Stunning handmade knives in full-on color! Showcasing fine artistry isn't a difficult job. Unlike museum curators, the knife book editors, designers and publishers don't even need to display the items in a well-lit room. The pages of Knives 2015 come alive with the most utilitarian, artistic, unique and exquisite blades from around the world. The world's finest edges--whether everyday carry pieces, hunters, bowies, belt and boot knives, camp knives, flipper folders or highly embellished works of art--find a home in the 35th edition of the Knives annual book. And each is accompanied by complete specifications, descriptions and editorial comments. Add in a comprehensive Custom Knifemaker Directory, including email addresses, websites, phone numbers, specialties and technical information, and you can see why collectors and enthusiasts own every volume of this coveted book. Engrossing feature articles delve into frame-lock folders, blunt tips on tall ships, knives disguised as other items, survival knives, "A Sword for a Warrior King" and plenty more World's most complete Custom Knifemaker Directory The latest trends in handmade knives State-of-the-art engraving, scrimshaw, jewel inlay, sculpting and carving More knives, articles, information, trend-setting innovations and state-of-the-art embellishments than any other book on the market!