The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords by Kokan Nagayama

The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords by Kokan Nagayama-Nagayama is considered the premier sword polisher in Japan, and teaches students on this lost art. He has compiled notes over his years of working with swords and has written this book. This is 355 page hardcover book was first published in 1995 in Japan, with the first US printing in 2016. This book is in like new condition.The book is organized along historical lines for the sake of clarity. There are broad discussions of each tradition within the Gokaden focus on the features that distinguish specific schools and smiths, as well as the various kinds of jihada, hamon, boshi, and hataraki favored in different periods and regions. Each section closes with an easy reference chart summarizing the distinctive features of the work of various schools and smiths.The chapter on terminology gives advice on what to look for when examining the different parts of a blade, again making reference to the unique features of particularly significant smiths. The chapter on care and appraisal of blades tells precisely how to handle blades and what to expect at a sword appraisal meeting, including an explanation of all the various responses that a judge may give in response to a bid. Again, this is a great reference book for those interested in Japanese swords. This book is in 'like new' condition.