1838 Japanese Katana Samurai Old Sword Inscription Koto Illustrated 9v Woodblock

1838 Japanese Katana Samurai Old Sword Inscription Koto Illustrated 9v Woodblock

An interesting 19^th century Edo woodblock-print of ‘Old Sword Inscriptions.’ The term ‘Koto’ (古刀) or ‘Old Sword’ is a reference to swords created between 900AD and 1596AD. These are considered the pinnacle of Japanese Sword craftsmanship. The typical sword of that period was the tachi, which were later shortened to make early Katanas.

This 9-volume set from 1838 was originally written in 1792 by Ogi Iori as a complete list of appraisals of the swords and their makers. This work is significant in its inclusion of detailed workmanship of Masamune, the greatest swordsmith of Japan, and his disciples Saeki Norishige (佐伯則重) and Gō Yoshihiro (江義弘). Hirokuni includes a beginner’s guide, different classes of blade makers, blacksmithing genealogies of master and apprentice blade makers, stamps of blade makers, ancient and famous swords, and much more! This work is unique in that it is often used as the dividing line between ‘koto’ (old swords) and ‘shinto’ (new swords). Sesko in his ‘Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords’ writes,

“the older Kokon Mei Zukushi contains written transmissions on sword appraisal of the Takeya family which were compiled for the first time in the 16^th year of Keicho. The Kokon Mei Zukushi Taizen defines a more exact dividing line, namely the eight year of Keicho.”

This rare 1838 edition is written in a column handwritten and type format with furigana usage for easier reading. This edition contains excellent illustrations throughout of different blades and the blades engravings of dragons, tridents, flames and more!

Item number: #30081

Price: $750

仰木／弘邦

Sugawara, Hirokuni, or Ogi, Iori

Old Sword Inscriptions Kotou Mei Zukushi Taizen (古刀銘盡) (こ と う め い づ く し た い ぜ ん)

Edo: Tenpo 9 [1838].

Details:

• Collation: Complete; 9 volumes
• References:
  • Keio University, Japanese Culture Through Rare Books
  • Iwanami, Kokusho So Mokuroku 192858
  • Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords by Markus Sesko
• Language: Japanese
• Binding: Softcover; tight & secure
• Size: ~10in X 7.25in (25.5cm x 18.5cm)
• Very rare and desirable

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30081