Gunther Heckmann

Kodogu is a sequel to Tsuba and presents the small sword fittings, with examples drawn from private collections. Include are menuki, kogai, kozuka, and fuchi-kashira illustrated in stunning color plates. The back of the menuki and all the signatures are shown in a separate section in b/w. The knowledgeable descriptions of the subjects provide a profound insight into the complex tradition of Japanese metal art and the multi-faceted relationship between the warrior and his sword. An introduction to the history of Japanese sword fittings also provides an easily comprehensible introduction to this fascinating subject. Indices to Artists, Schools, Styles, and Motifs, Glossary and Bibliography. Includes a brief but very informative section on handling and care of fittings written by Robert Haynes, Toimihiko Inami (President of Japan Sword Company Ltd., Tokyo, and son of Hakusui Inami, founder of Japan Sword and author of one of the first important works on Japanese Swords published in English [Nippon-to, The Japanese Sword - 1948]), and Silvia Miklin-Kniefacz (Conservator of Metals, Vienna).

264 pages - text in Japanese, English, German - 200 over life-sized illustrations - the book presents the small sword fittings - some of the selected objects and groups of objects including menuki, of which both the front and back aspects are shown, kogai, kozuka and fuchi-kashira are presented here for the first time - high quality protographic and reproductive techniques have resulted in illustrations of outstanding precision and brilliance - knowledgeable descriptions of subjects provide an insight into the complex tradition of Japanenese metal art and the multi-faceted relationship between the warrior and his sword.

Contents

Preface
Sword mounting details
Introduction
Menuke
Kogai
Kozuka
Fuchi-Sashira
Signatures Fuchi
Signatures Menuki
Signatures Kozuka and Kogai
Back sides of the Menuki
Motifs
Artist, schools, styles
Japanese periods
Glossary
Fittings-Handling and care
Bibliography… (meer)