Japanese Master Swordsmiths: The Gassan Tradition

This classic catalogue, published to accompany an exhibition of swords by the master swordsmith Sadaichi Gassan and others illustrative of the Gassan School, is a prized resource for any student of the exquisite art of Japanese swordmaking. Techniques used by the school date back to the 13th century, and represent the tradition and ritual of Japanese swordmaking at its most resplendent. Japanese Master Swordsmiths features not only an in-depth study, in English and Japanese, of ten carefully selected, superlatively crafted swords in the Gassan tradition, including numerous details, sketches, and maker s marks, but also a discussion of the context surrounding the Gassan School and the religious and philosophical precepts that govern it. 86 pages 8"x11" softcover over 100 b/w illustrations $19.95