Antique Japanese Sword Appraisal Book Honami Koson Nihonto 1915 Samurai For Sale

DescriptionPublished in 1915, this is an original Japanese sword reference book titled Kantei Hiketsu Token Jiten — roughly, “Secrets of Appraisal: Sword Dictionary.”The book was written by Shimizu Kitsumura and bears the name of Hon’ami Koson as reviewer/editorial supervisor.Hon’ami Koson was an important figure in modern Japanese sword scholarship and appraisal, belonging to the famous Hon’ami tradition — a name deeply associated with Japanese sword appraisal, polishing, authentication, and connoisseurship.This is not a book written by Hon’ami Koson himself, but the title page clearly states:“Reviewed by Hon’ami Koson”That connection makes this book particularly interesting for collectors of Nihonto and Japanese sword literature.What is inside the book?The book is a practical reference work on Japanese sword appraisal.Its contents include subjects such as:* Basic principles of sword appraisal
* Classification of swordsmiths
* Characteristics of workmanship
* Hamon and boshi patterns
* Features used to identify schools and smiths
* Illustrated blade comparisons
* Reference material related to sword evaluationThe illustrated pages are especially interesting, showing how Japanese sword experts more than a century ago compared blade characteristics and used visible details as clues for identification and appraisal.The Hon’ami TraditionThe Hon’ami family has been associated with Japanese sword appraisal and polishing for centuries.For many collectors today, the name Hon’ami remains closely connected with the history of Nihonto authentication and connoisseurship.This book therefore represents more than an old sword dictionary. It is also a document from the development of modern Japanese sword scholarship.Published in 1915The colophon indicates:Printed: June 5, 1915
Published: June 10, 1915The book also retains its original-style protective case, adding to its appeal as a surviving early 20th-century Japanese sword reference.A fascinating piece for collectors of:Japanese swords, Nihonto, samurai culture, sword appraisal, swordsmith history, and antique Japanese reference books.More than 100 years old, this book preserves how Japanese swords were studied, compared, and evaluated in the early modern collecting world.Own a Piece of History.Shipping

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