Neuheiten — Aktuelle Neuzugänge finden Sie in unserem Katalog. Ansehen →
Einblicke in das Wissen über japanische Schwerter und die Kultur
Thorough analysis of Japanese swords as assets. Explains auction price trends, the impact of yen depreciation, price differences with the domestic market, and real returns accounting for storage costs.
This article explains the practical requirements for legally possessing Japanese swords under the Firearms and Swords Control Law, the specific criteria for antique (art object) certification, and the types of registration certificates issued by prefectural boards of education, including legal obligations upon transfer or lapse.
This article explains professional Japanese sword care as practiced by swordsmiths and polishers: the precise sequence and frequency of wiping, uchiko powder, and oil application; the meaning and timing of oil removal (pre-polishing preparation); and the formal protocol for sword appreciation.
From tens-of-thousands-yen wakizashi to hundred-million-yen national treasure tachi, this article systematically explains the three axes that determine Japanese sword value: smith rank and prestige, steel quality and forging method, and historical era classification.
A comparative analysis of the styles of modern sword smiths representing the Reiwa era. Explained from three perspectives—metal grain, blade pattern, and sword form—are which traditions each craftsman inherits and what individuality they bring to their work.
Appraising works by Bizen Osafune Morimitsu, the foremost master of Oei Bizen, is a central challenge in Japanese sword connoisseurship. This guide details the key points of jitetsu, hamon, mei, and sugata for identifying authentic works, lists surviving Important Cultural Properties, and explains how to distinguish Morimitsu from his peer Yasumitsu.
Fujishima Tomoshige, the founder of the Echizen Fujishima school active in Nanbokucho-period Echizen Province, extended his technical influence beyond Echizen into neighboring Kaga (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture), contributing to the formation of the Hokuriku sword tradition as a whole. This article examines the relationship between Tomoshige and the Kaga tradition, the development of Hokuriku sword culture, and his legacy today.
Gojo Kuninaga, active in late Heian-period Kyoto, is one of the earliest masters of the ancient sword tradition. Alongside Sanjo Munechika, he represents the pinnacle of the Yamashiro school in the Heian era, and his works laid the foundation for later Japanese sword culture.
Tracing the provenance of Honjo Masamune, one of the Five Legendary Swords. This article examines Masamune's position in the history of sword craftsmanship, its transmission route from Kamakura through the Uesugi, Honjo, and Tokugawa Shogunal families, and the detailed circumstances from its confiscation by the GHQ after World War II to its current unknown whereabouts.
Kojiyama Munetstugu was a master bladesmith representing late Edo Shinto swords. Alongside Minagiyoshi and Suishin Masahide, he was called one of the "three great masters of the Kanto region." This piece explains the life of this skilled craftsman, his major works, his transmission to disciples, and his influence on the sword world continuing to the present day.
Kanemoto, also known as Magoroku Kanemoto, was a leading smith of the Mino tradition active in Seki, Mino Province during the late Muromachi to Sengoku period. Famous for the distinctive sanbonsugi (triple cedar) hamon, his blades combined sharpness with practical durability and were favored by many Sengoku warlords.
Comprehensive guide to all procedures required for exporting Japanese swords internationally. Details education board deregistration, METI export license applications, customs HS code verification, and practical compliance when handle materials and ray skin become subject to Washington Convention (CITES) regulations.
