Sword - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Rare complete nine-volume Edo period set, Kotou Meizukushi Taizen, dating to Kansei 4 (1792), a Japanese swordsmith genealogy and masterwork illustrated in hand-printed woodblock volumes, each about 26 x 19 cm with age wear but legible prints.
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Description from the seller
Product Title
Rare 1792 Complete 9-Vol Set: Kotou Meizukushi Taizen - Japanese Sword Smith Genealogy & Masterpiece Illustrations
Description
Step into the world of the Samurai with this complete, original 9-volume set from the Edo period.
Dated Kansei 4 (1792), the "Kotou Meizukushi Taizen" is one of the most significant encyclopedias of "Koto" (Old Swords) ever published.
This monumental work was authored by Ogi Iori (also known as Ogi Hirokuni) to serve as a definitive guide for sword enthusiasts and scholars.
Inside these hand-printed woodblock volumes, you will find incredibly detailed illustrations of legendary blades.
The pages feature intricate drawings of Hamon (temper lines), Nakago (tang) shapes, and sacred carvings like dragons and deities.
Extensive Kaji Keizu (blacksmith genealogies) are included, tracing the lineages of master smiths from the earliest eras of Japanese history.
Owning these books allows you to explore the same historical references used by Edo-period experts to study masterworks.
Each volume is bound in traditional Japanese "Wahon" style, preserving the authentic atmosphere of the 18th century.
A complete 9-volume set of such historical importance is a rare find for any serious collector.
Author Background:
Ogi Iori (1733–1805) was a prominent scholar and sword researcher of the mid-Edo period.
He based this work on the earlier "Kokon Meizukushi" but expanded it significantly with verified data and field research.
His dedication to accuracy transformed sword appraisal from a secretive tradition into a structured academic discipline.
Condition:
Items show signs of age including wear to the covers and some historical wormhole damage.
However, the woodblock prints and text remain clearly legible and well-preserved for study.
Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of the condition.
Dimensions:
Approx. 26 x 19 cm (per volume)
＊＊PLEASE NOTE＊＊
Shipping Information:
Items are shipped from Japan.
Please check the shipping fee before bidding as this is an international shipment.
Items are packed very carefully to prevent damage in transit.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the net weight listed on the product page, packing materials, and shipping box weight.
Depending on the situation, items will be shipped via FedEx, DHL, or Japan Post.
Usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Import duties, taxes and fees are not included in the item price or shipping charges.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
You may be contacted by phone or email by your country's customs or shipping agent regarding customs clearance.
Please make sure you are available to answer the phone.
Otherwise, the parcel will be returned to us and you will be charged double for reshipment.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Seller's Story
We sell Japanese antique goods, anime goods and other goods of Japanese origin.
Please note that we ship direct from Japan and it takes about 3 weeks for delivery.
Product Title
Rare 1792 Complete 9-Vol Set: Kotou Meizukushi Taizen - Japanese Sword Smith Genealogy & Masterpiece Illustrations
Description
Step into the world of the Samurai with this complete, original 9-volume set from the Edo period.
Dated Kansei 4 (1792), the "Kotou Meizukushi Taizen" is one of the most significant encyclopedias of "Koto" (Old Swords) ever published.
This monumental work was authored by Ogi Iori (also known as Ogi Hirokuni) to serve as a definitive guide for sword enthusiasts and scholars.
Inside these hand-printed woodblock volumes, you will find incredibly detailed illustrations of legendary blades.
The pages feature intricate drawings of Hamon (temper lines), Nakago (tang) shapes, and sacred carvings like dragons and deities.
Extensive Kaji Keizu (blacksmith genealogies) are included, tracing the lineages of master smiths from the earliest eras of Japanese history.
Owning these books allows you to explore the same historical references used by Edo-period experts to study masterworks.
Each volume is bound in traditional Japanese "Wahon" style, preserving the authentic atmosphere of the 18th century.
A complete 9-volume set of such historical importance is a rare find for any serious collector.
Author Background:
Ogi Iori (1733–1805) was a prominent scholar and sword researcher of the mid-Edo period.
He based this work on the earlier "Kokon Meizukushi" but expanded it significantly with verified data and field research.
His dedication to accuracy transformed sword appraisal from a secretive tradition into a structured academic discipline.
Condition:
Items show signs of age including wear to the covers and some historical wormhole damage.
However, the woodblock prints and text remain clearly legible and well-preserved for study.
Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of the condition.
Dimensions:
Approx. 26 x 19 cm (per volume)
＊＊PLEASE NOTE＊＊
Shipping Information:
Items are shipped from Japan.
Please check the shipping fee before bidding as this is an international shipment.
Items are packed very carefully to prevent damage in transit.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the net weight listed on the product page, packing materials, and shipping box weight.
Depending on the situation, items will be shipped via FedEx, DHL, or Japan Post.
Usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Import duties, taxes and fees are not included in the item price or shipping charges.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
You may be contacted by phone or email by your country's customs or shipping agent regarding customs clearance.
Please make sure you are available to answer the phone.
Otherwise, the parcel will be returned to us and you will be charged double for reshipment.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Seller's Story
We sell Japanese antique goods, anime goods and other goods of Japanese origin.
Please note that we ship direct from Japan and it takes about 3 weeks for delivery.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Good
Dynastic style/period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Height
26 cm
Width
19 cm
Overall Length
26 cm
Estimated period
1750-1800
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