A remarkable Edo-period reference work dedicated to the art and lineage of Japanese swordsmiths, 古今鍛冶系図大全 (Kokon Kajikeizu Taizen) serves as an invaluable record of katana craftsmanship, samurai heritage, and regional forging traditions.
Printed entirely from woodblocks on handmade washi paper, this book lists the names, provinces, and genealogies of master swordsmiths across Japan — from the celebrated Bizen and Yamashiro schools to lesser-known regional artisans. Meticulously organized, it captures the transmission of skill and spirit from one generation of smiths to the next, offering deep insight into how Japan’s legendary blades were born.
Its pages feature detailed annotations, diagrams of blade forms and tangs, and occasional commentary on forging styles and signatures (mei). The text is arranged vertically in kanbun script, representing the refined scholarly style of the late Edo era.
Bound in traditional indigo fukurotoji stitching with its original title label, the book reflects both practical function and quiet elegance — a true expression of wabi-sabi aesthetics and samurai culture.
Today, Kokon Kajikeizu Taizen stands as a historical and artistic treasure, bridging the worlds of metallurgy, calligraphy, and martial artistry — a testament to Japan’s devotion to perfection through generations of craftsmanship.
An authentic Edo-period swordsmith genealogy manual, Kokon Kajikeizu Taizen is a rare and scholarly artifact that illuminates the origins of Japan’s most revered swords. A perfect addition for collectors of katana history, samurai culture, or antique Japanese books, offering both intellectual and aesthetic depth.
