Greetings all my Ninja Nut Cases. Recently for some reason I have had a number of inquiries about the Ken sword featured in the "collection" section of Sabakusamurai.com. I am not sure why the sudden interest because it has been there for several years but I have had several emails wanting to know if I still have it and could I send some more pictures etc. I even had one guy ask if he could include it in a book he is writing about Japanese Swords that is due out in the fall. My answers to the questions were yes, yes and HELL YES!
I gotta say that the book sounds REALLY cool. The authors name is Max Roach (you gotta luv that) and here is how he described the book to me: "I have written a book entitled Swords of Japan: History, Iconography, and Practice for Tuttle Publications. The book traces the various religious and sociological influences on sword metallurgy, Iconography, etc., from the Jomon Period through today. I have collaborated with several mukansa-level artisans including Gassan Sadatoshi, Kawachi Kunihira, and Abe Kazunori. In addition, I have also been working with top scholars in the field of Japanese Military History both here and in Japan. The book is an "academic coffee table book." Pure sword-porn, but "you can read it for the articles too." There are currently over 300 high-res images of sword making, polishing, swords by period, etc. But I only have been able to find one image of a Ken (from Ginza Choshuya). That is why I am writing. I was wondering if you would be willing to send me some high resolution images of your fantastic Ken for use in my book. Ken, of course, are used in Tendai, Shingon, and even Shinto ceremonies. So I discuss the blades and their importance at several places within the text."
WOW! Lotsa big pictures, "Pure sword-porn", coffee, what else do you need in life? I'm Way down with that! I'm gonna have a copy in every room in my house. The pictures I sent him are the ones accompanying this blog. Whatcha think? For details on this unusual Ken go to Sabakusamurai.com and click on the "collection" button. More on the book when it comes out. SEEeeEeeYAaaaaAAaaH!
I gotta say that the book sounds REALLY cool. The authors name is Max Roach (you gotta luv that) and here is how he described the book to me: "I have written a book entitled Swords of Japan: History, Iconography, and Practice for Tuttle Publications. The book traces the various religious and sociological influences on sword metallurgy, Iconography, etc., from the Jomon Period through today. I have collaborated with several mukansa-level artisans including Gassan Sadatoshi, Kawachi Kunihira, and Abe Kazunori. In addition, I have also been working with top scholars in the field of Japanese Military History both here and in Japan. The book is an "academic coffee table book." Pure sword-porn, but "you can read it for the articles too." There are currently over 300 high-res images of sword making, polishing, swords by period, etc. But I only have been able to find one image of a Ken (from Ginza Choshuya). That is why I am writing. I was wondering if you would be willing to send me some high resolution images of your fantastic Ken for use in my book. Ken, of course, are used in Tendai, Shingon, and even Shinto ceremonies. So I discuss the blades and their importance at several places within the text."
WOW! Lotsa big pictures, "Pure sword-porn", coffee, what else do you need in life? I'm Way down with that! I'm gonna have a copy in every room in my house. The pictures I sent him are the ones accompanying this blog. Whatcha think? For details on this unusual Ken go to Sabakusamurai.com and click on the "collection" button. More on the book when it comes out. SEEeeEeeYAaaaaAAaaH!
5 comments:
whats up everyone
Just saying hello while I read through the posts
hopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.
Very nice...I want a copy of this when it comes to print.
Hello there Sabaku Samurai people! -Max Roach here. I am glad to see some buzz about the book. Here is an update for you: The DVD materials are all assembled and going to production soon. The main feature, entitled "Forging the Future of the Japanese Sword" was made by Danial Schmidt, who recently won an Emmy for his work in making documentaries... Beautiful footage that all sword nuts will love. The layout is all done, after several go-rounds with the designers in Singapore. The final copy edit is the last step before it is approved. My editor at Tuttle is awesome and I look forward to holding the book in my hands. Until then, I will take my kids fishing and race motorcycles. Oh, I almost forgot... You can see a sneak peek of some of the page layouts on my website: mountainwinddojo.com. Feel free to contact me with questions.
Cheers everybody!
-MR
Hello there Sabaku Samurai people! -Max Roach here. I am glad to see some buzz about the book. Here is an update for you: The DVD materials are all assembled and going to production soon. The main feature, entitled "Forging the Future of the Japanese Sword" was made by Danial Schmidt, who recently won an Emmy for his work in making documentaries... Beautiful footage that all sword nuts will love. The layout is all done, after several go-rounds with the designers in Singapore. The final copy edit is the last step before it is approved. My editor at Tuttle is awesome and I look forward to holding the book in my hands. Until then, I will take my kids fishing and race motorcycles. Oh, I almost forgot... You can see a sneak peek of some of the page layouts on my website: mountainwinddojo.com. Feel free to contact me with questions.
Cheers everybody!
-MR
Post a Comment