Japanese Swords and Armor wer. angielska

This book offers an unprecedented look at the remarkable swords and armor owned by the most renowned Samurai throughout Japanese history. In "Japanese Swords and Armor," sword expert Paul Martin showcases a wide array of exquisite blades, fittings, and armor spanning from the 12th to the 20th century. It highlights the possessions of thirty eminent warriors and leaders, such as a wooden sword made for Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's legendary swordsman known for his duel on Ganryu-jima Island. Another notable piece is the tachi blade once worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who played a crucial role in unifying Japan and founded the Tokugawa Shogunate. This blade was later gifted to the Meiji Emperor. Also featured is the katchu, or armor, of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a hero of the Genpei Wars, which was eventually offered to the Kasuga Shrine in Nara. Tomoe Gozen's preferred weapon, the naginata, also finds a place in this collection, renowned through the epic "Tale of the Heike." These extraordinary artifacts are exhibited in 200 breathtaking color photographs, including eight double gatefolds. Many of these historical objects are considered national treasures or important cultural properties by the Japanese government, underscoring their significance to the Samurai heritage and the cultural fabric of Japan.