Title: Nihon katchū zukan (3 volumes)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”.
Title: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 5)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.
Title: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 4)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.
Title: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 3)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.
Title: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 2)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.
Title: Katchū bugu jūyō bunka shiryō zuryoku (vol. 1)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.
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:
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.
Helmets of the Saotome SchoolThe book is about 136 pages, in English and Japanese, and is oversized (318 x 249 x 20mm).
Studies on Arms and Armour – With a focus on Modern Helmets
Kaga Zōgan Abumi: “Stirrups for the Samurai”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
