Author: Thomas ConlanPublisher: Amber Books
ISBN:
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 232
Book Description
Asian history.
Weapons of the Samurai
Author: Stephen TurnbullPublisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 147284405X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81
Book Description
This fully illustrated new book describes and analyses the weapons and equipment traditionally associated with the samurai, Japan's superlative warriors. It examines the range of weapons used by them at different times and in different situations. Beginning with the rise of the samurai during the 10th century, this lively study traces the introduction of edged weapons (cutting and piercing) and missile weapons (bows and guns) over the next 500 years. The book shows clearly how they were employed by individual samurai using many previously untranslated primary texts, and explains how their use spread more widely among low-class troops, pirates and rebels. It also shows how schools of martial arts took over and changed the weapons and their uses during the peaceful Edo Period (1615–1868).
Author: Clive SinclaireSamurai Weapons
Author: Don CunninghamPublisher: Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 1462907490
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
Unlock the secrets of the legendary weapons of the samurai While the samurai is well known as the military nobility of medieval Japan, their range of weapons, which went far beyond the katana, bow, and spear, is lesser known. For instance, some weapons, like the tesson, or iron fan, were used in secret where samurai swords were not allowed. Others were improvised, with warriors using whatever fighting tool was at hand. In Samurai Weapons, readers will follow the story of Zenigata Heiji, among others, who developed an uncanny ability to use heavy coins as dangerous weapons by throwing them like bullets. Author Don Cunningham, who held ranks in judo, jujutsu, and kendo, including a second dan license from the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, gives us a historical look at these ancient arms in a way that's useful for novices and samurai experts alike. Chapters cover such rich details as: Japanese martial arts culture Hidden weapons Sensu, truncheons, and polearms Learn how and why samurai weapons included not only the sword of popular lore but also a variety of others. Cunningham describes the society of Japan, how the samurai class arose, and the place in society that samurai held through the centuries, focusing in particular on the various weaponry they used, how they used it, and why. Samurai Weapons highlights how these weapons and fighting styles have influenced various schools of Japanese martial arts.
Katana
Author: Stephen TurnbullPublisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1849086583
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 170
Book Description
The Samurai sword of Japan is probably the finest edged weapon ever made. This volume by leading Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull reveals the story of how and why it achieved this distinction. Particular attention is paid to the development of the familiar curved blade from the original straight blades, the associated development of Japan's famous steel-making techniques and the challenges from contemporary warfare. Together with the technical details of forging, polishing, mounting and testing; this volume is brought to life with details of the great swordmakers themselves. Moreover, no history of the sword would be complete without a detailed examination of its use in combat, from the greatest Samurai armies to individual duels and revenge killings. Personal accounts allow the reader to discover the art of Japanese swordsmanship in the hands of masters such as Miyamoto Musashi to the unnamed Japanese warrior defending his family's honour. This lively text is perfectly complemented by artwork reconstructions of the sword in use and colour photographs of the swords in use.
Lethal Beauty
Author: Andreas MarksPublisher: International Arts & Artists
ISBN: 9780988349704
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Deadly weaponry and artistic ingenuity are celebrated in Lethal Beauty, a collection that explores the evolution of the warrior aesthetic unique to samurai history and artistry. In Lethal Beauty, Dr. Andreas Marks showcases a comprehensive range of 63 exceptional works by 30 master craftsmen. The exhibition which this book draws from features full suits of armor, helmets, warrior hats, face masks, long and short swords, daggers, matchlock rifles, and more. The range of blades spans from the 13th to the 20th centuries and highlights technical refinement and exquisite craftsmanship. The samurai are universally renowned warriors. Tales of their heroics have enchanted listeners since the 12th century, and perhaps more than any other warrior class in history, they continue to fascinate people of all backgrounds, cultures, and ages. Lethal Beauty provides a fascinating look at the striking duality of weaponry and artistic innovation that are an integral part of the samurai.
Author: Ian BottomleySamurai Swords
Author: Clive SinclairePublisher: Chartwell Books
ISBN: 9780785825630
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
For 700 years Japanese civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste. This project looks at the weaponry of Samurai men and women over the centuries with specifically commissioned photography of reenactors wearing and museum-quality clothing and weaponry.
Author: Jim OllhoffThe Japanese Sword
Author: Gregory IrvinePublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 136
Book Description
Drawing on the V&A's magnificent collection, this illustrated survey examines the development of the Japanese sword in an historical and social context from the 8th to the 12th century. The development of the sword from its origins as one of the world's most effective cutting weapons in seen in the context of the emergence and development of Japan's ruling military class, the samurai, to whom it was indispensable both as a weapon and symbol of power. The book also deals with the techniques used in the making of the sword and the associated terminology. In addition to weapons from the V&A's own collections, illustrations include comparative materials from Japan's Tokyo National Museum, as well as prints showing graphic depictions of swords in action.
