Book Review: Nihon katchū zukan (3 volumes) by Yoshihiko Sasama

Book Review: Nihon katchū zukan (3 volumes) by Yoshihiko SasamaTitle: Nihon katchū zukan (3 volumes)
Author: Yoshihiko Sasama
Publisher: Yūzankaku, 1964
ISBN: None
Language: Japanese
Illustrations: Numerous illustrations, very few color illustrations
Other: 256, 271, 261 pages, 26.5 cm by 19 cm, hardcover, limited to 800
Topics: Kabuto, Katchū, Menpō, Sōmen
ID: B0005

These three volumes (limited to 800) contain an unbelievable amount of Sasama’s famous line drawings, many of which re-appear in his later works. They are also known as the “green books”.

B0006 - Nihon Katchu Zukan (2-3) - Yoshihiko Sasama - s

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 5) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 5) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon KaiTitle: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 5)
Author: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai
Publisher: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai, 2014
ISBN: None
Language: Japanese
Illustrations: Numerous color pictures
Other: 210 pages, 30 cm by 21.5 cm, hardcover
Topics: Abumi, Bagu, Bugu, Kabuto, Katchū, Kura, Menpō, Sōmen
ID: B1152

The fifth of the official Japanese Armour Society (Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai – NKBKHK) books with pictures and descriptions of the next 107 jūyō graded armours and samurai related items (#526-#632). Overall, very nice and big color pictures. Again many items also from the Momoyama and Muromachi periods. Most items are tucked away in private collections, so this book is for many of these probably the only way to get some documentation.

In total 5 books exist (as of 2014) in this series. All of them were quite expensive when published as they were printed in very small quantities. Every item has a picture (on the left side of the book) and an objective description of the item on the right site, with also the time period for which the item got the jūyō (top) grade. Grades are given in a yearly Shinsa session, with a jury of senior society members.

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 4) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 4) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon KaiTitle: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 4)
Author: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai
Publisher: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai, 2004
ISBN: 4-88583-018-4 C3672
Language: Japanese
Illustrations: Numerous color pictures
Other: 281 pages, 30 cm by 21.5 cm, hardcover
Topics: Abumi, Bagu, Bugu, Kabuto, Katchū, Kura, Menpō
ID: B0004

The fourth of the official Japanese Armour Society (Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai – NKBKHK) books with pictures and descriptions of the next 135 jūyō graded armours and samurai related items (#391-#525). Overall, very nice and big color pictures and a big improvement over the previous volumes. Again many items also from the Momoyama and Muromachi periods. Most items are tucked away in private collections, so this book is for many of these probably the only way to get some documentation.

In total 5 books exist (as of 2014) in this series. All of them were quite expensive when published as they were printed in very small quantities. Every item has a picture (on the left side of the book) and an objective description of the item on the right site, with also the time period for which the item got the jūyō (top) grade. Grades are given in a yearly Shinsa session, with a jury of senior society members.

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 3) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 3) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon KaiTitle: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 3)
Author: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai
Publisher: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai, 1998
ISBN: 4-88583-014-1 C3672
Language: Japanese
Illustrations: Numerous black and white pictures
Other: 271 pages, 30 cm by 21.5 cm, hardcover
Topics: Abumi, Bagu, Bugu, Kabuto, Katchū, Kura, Menpō, Nihontō, Tōsōgu
ID: B0003

The third of the official Japanese Armour Society (Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai – NKBKHK) books with pictures and descriptions of the next 130 jūyō graded armours and samurai related items (#261-#390). Overall, the quality of the black and white pictures has increased although some are still too small or of not good enough quality. Most items are from the Edo period. Most items are tucked away in private collections, so this book is for many of these probably the only way to get some documentation.

In total 5 books exist (as of 2014) in this series. All of them were quite expensive when published as they were printed in very small quantities. Every item has a picture (on the left side of the book) and an objective description of the item on the right site, with also the time period for which the item got the jūyō (top) grade. Grades are given in a yearly Shinsa session, with a jury of senior society members.

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 2) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 2) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon KaiTitle: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 2)
Author: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai
Publisher: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai, 1994
ISBN: 4-88583-013-3 C3672
Language: Japanese
Illustrations: Numerous black and white pictures
Other: 269 pages, 30 cm by 21.5 cm, hardcover
Topics: Abumi, Bagu, Bugu, Kabuto, Katchū, Kura, Menpō
ID: B0002

The second of the official Japanese Armour Society (Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai – NKBKHK) books with pictures and descriptions of the next 130 jūyō graded armours and samurai related items (#131-#260). The black and white pictures in the first volumes of this series are not always of a good quality. Several items are from the Muromachi or Momoyama period and are tucked away in private collections, so this book is for many of these probably the only way to get some documentation.

In total 5 books exist (as of 2014) in this series. All of them were quite expensive when published as they were printed in very small quantities. Every item has a picture (on the left side of the book) and an objective description of the item on the right site, with also the time period for which the item got the jūyō (top) grade. Grades are given in a yearly Shinsa session, with a jury of senior society members.

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 1) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai

Book Review: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 1) by Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon KaiTitle: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 1)
Author: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai
Publisher: Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai, 1991
ISBN: 4-88583-010-9 C3672
Language: Japanese
Illustrations: Numerous black and white pictures, 3 color pictures
Other: 277 pages, 30 cm by 21.5 cm, hardcover
Topics: Abumi, Bagu, Bugu, Kabuto, Katchū, Kura, Menpō, Nihontō, Sōmen
ID: B0001

The first of the official Japanese Armour Society (Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai – NKBKHK) books with pictures and descriptions of the first 130 jūyō graded armours and samurai related items (#1-#130). The black and white pictures in the first volumes of this series are not always of a good quality. A large amount of the items however are Muromachi period or earlier and are tucked away in private collections, so this book is for many of these probably the only way to get some documentation.

In total 5 books exist (as of 2014) in this series. All of them were quite expensive when published as they were printed in very small quantities. Every item has a picture (on the left side of the book) and an objective description of the item on the right site, with also the time period for which the item got the jūyō (top) grade. Grades are given in a yearly Shinsa session, with a jury of senior society members.

The Library

All serious collectors (and not only of Japanese armour) will say the same: start your collection with a good book library, where you can learn and train your eyes.

As I’m lucky to live in Japan and to be an active member of the Japanese Armour Society, I have had access to see many rare (and often old) books when I get invited to see private collections. In order to help people to build a good library, I will review the books I encounter.  In order to give the best objective overview of a book possible, I will use video. I’ve seen too many online auctions or sales listings where the seller highlights the four armours in a certain book and catalog, giving the impression that there are many more inside, while in reality, that’s it. I hope that my browsing gives an honest overview on the content of the books. Once in a while, I will add some pictures to highlight some specific points of a book. I will however keep the resolution of video and pictures low, in order to make sure I don’t run into copyright issues. I only want to give you an idea what is in the book.

The library will be in constant flux as I will make the info available while I’m adding reviews. You will be able to access the reviews via the blog (while I add them) or in an alphabetic list for title and author, and even a searchable index. Be aware that the great plugin I use has (for my purpose) one flaw. It expects a author’s name to have first and last name, while some books have only an association listed. So instead of Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai (The Japanese armour society) as author, you will see Kai, Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon. But so be it.

Some books will be only about tsuba, swords and kamon… If there would be a certain book you look for, let me know.

Shortcuts to the different lists will be available in the menu and a permanent post at the top of the front page, but if you want to have a look already at what is available:

Searchable index

Library by Title

Library by Author

Library Topic 

The Japanese Armour Society

The Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai (NKBKHK) is the Japanese armour society in Japan.

We have monthly meetings, a magazine in Japanese (about 4 times a year) and some other events.

One of the main problems for people who are not living in Japan is to get into contact with the society and to become a member.

I have now become  the official representative of the society for people outside of Japan and I’m more then willing to help people who want to become a member. Please contact me via email ( see the about page) if you are interested.

The society now also has a new (bi-lingual) homepage: www.japanese-armor.org.

Projects

Teruo Orikasa, Luc Taelman and myself have producted several books related to Japanese armour.

Saotomebook CoverHelmets of the Saotome School
With this new book from Teruo Orikasa, illustrated with helmets from the private collections of Luc Taelman and Aymeric Antien, we hope to at least briefly help to demystify the beauty of the Saotome helmets.
When we started this book project, we wanted to create a photographic document for those who were eager to find out more about the different Saotome helmet makers. To make sure that the beauty of the helmets itself can be enjoyed, 38 helmets, with over 250 pictures by Jo Anseeuw, were used to illustrate different Saotome smiths.We also wanted to include a scientifically study about the school, based on the limited amount of facts that are available.And finally, we also wanted to have a technical analysis of the construction of helmets.

The book is about 136 pages, in English and Japanese, and is oversized (318 x 249 x 20mm).


Katchu bugu kenkyu - Teruo OrikasaStudies on Arms and Armour – With a focus on Modern Helmets
During his many years as a member of the Nihon Katchû Bugu Kenkyû Hozon Kai, Mr. Orikasa wrote several highly interesting articles about Japanese armour for the magazine of the society. What makes the articles of Mr. Orikasa so interesting is the fact that he starts from thorough research, and not from pure guess work.
In this book (limited to 200), Mr. Orikasa assembled his best articles with, where applicable, some extra comments. As it is probably the first time that these articles will be available for people who are not a member of the armour society, it is a very valuable document.
After our successful collaboration with Mr. Orikasa for our book Helmets of the Saotome School, we heard the repeating remark from readers of our book that they now want more research based information available in English.
The original book by Mr. Orikasa is in Japanese, contains black and white pictures, 244 pages and is 30 cm by 21.5 cm.
The English version was translated by Markus Sesko, contains no pictures, 198 pages and A4 size.

Stirrups for the Samurai - coverKaga Zōgan Abumi: “Stirrups for the Samurai”
Mr. Teruo Orikasa, a long term member of the Nihon Katchū Bugu Kenkyū Hozon Kai, got fascinated with Kaga zōgan abumi (Stirrups with inlay from the Kaga region) more then 20 years ago when he bought his first pair of abumi at an antique fair in Tōkyō. Since then, this passion led him in another research driven quest, resulting in a top Kaga zōgan abumi collection.
This new work contains 20 signed abumi from this collection, with many detailed pictures and a description by Mr. Orikasa. Also genealogies of the various families of smiths are included.
The book is about 80 pages, in English and Japanese, and is oversized.

More info can be found on www.saotomebook.com.

Galleries

I combine my passion for photography with my love for armour.

This is still a major work in progress. Expect to see many pictures of the famous Sōma Nomaoi festival, and many pictures that I have made in musea (when permitted).
To my regret, I will off course not be able to show pictures that I’m allowed to make of private collections, or for special projects (like armour exhibition catalogs). Unless I get explicit permission…

For the time being: http://www.pbase.com/joanseeuw/samurai

Celebrating the beauty of Japanese samurai armour