Japanese Swords and Armor: Masterpieces from Thirty of Japan's Most Famous Samurai Warriors - Hardcover

by Paul Martin (Author)

The first book to present the amazing swords and armor belonging to the most famous Samurai in Japanese history!

Paul Martin, a world-renowned scholar of Japanese swords, takes us on a journey of discovery of samurai culture through an examination of valuable weapons and armor belonging to thirty of Japan's most celebrated warriors, many of which are classified as Important Cultural Propertiesor National Treasures and therefore rarely seen by the public.

Japanese Swords and Armor covers the entire development of the samurai class, from the 10th to the 19th centuries, and offers a compelling journey into the minds and aesthetic sensibilities of the legendary warriors through a wealth of iconography with art images, exclusive photographs and life-size reproductions of some of the most prestigious swords in history.

Get a close-up look at scores of magnificent blades, fittings and armor which belonged to thirty of the most famous warriors and leaders in Japanese history including:

• A wooden sword commissioned and owned by Miyamoto Musashi -- Japan's greatest swordsman; an exact replica of the sword he wielded at the legendary duel on Ganryu-jima Island
• The tachi blade worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the powerful unifier of Japan--which was later presented to the Meiji Emperor
• The katchu (armor) belonging to Minamoto no Yoshitsune, hero of the Genpei Wars and later gifted as a votive offering to the Kasuga Shrine in Nara
• The naginata (halberd) said to be the favored weapon of Tomoe Gozen, Japan's famous female Samurai, that was immortalized in the classic book Tale of the Heike
• And many more!

These masterful works of art are presented in 200 stunning color photos including eight double gatefolds. This is a must-have work for all enthusiasts and experienced collectors, as well as for those approaching this fascinating subject for the first time.

Author Biography

Paul Martin is a Tokyo-based Japanese sword and culture specialist who brings expertise from his tenure as a curator at the British Museum, where he managed the Japanese arms and armor collections. With a Master's Degree in Asian Studies, he's a Trustee for the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Sword Culture and founder of the Shin-Gobankaji Project. He is the first non-Japanese recipient and two-time winner of Tokyo's sword appraisal competition. Paul has translated for major Japanese sword exhibitions, authored key books and DVDs, and appeared on global TV networks from the Discovery Channel, to History Channel, National Geographic, NHK World, and the BBC.

In addition to his martial arts achievements, including being a three-time English Karate champion, 4th Dan Kendo, and 5th Dan Iaido, and Batto-jutsu practitioner, Paul plays pivotal roles in documentary production; he's the associate producer for "Art of the Japanese Sword" and executive producer for the award-winning "Forgive-Don't Forget." Notably, he's been recognized with the 2022 Scottish Samurai (Sir Thomas Glover) Taisho Award and the 2022 Shibusawa Eiichi Abacus and Analects Award for promoting Japanese culture worldwide, particularly Japanese swords.