This rare Edo-period woodblock-printed volume from the 万宝全書 (Manpō Zensho) series is a specialized manual dedicated to Japanese swords (日本刀) and metalwork. Richly illustrated and written in classical Japanese, this book served as an important reference tool for samurai, sword appraisers, merchants, and craftsmen during the late Edo era.
The book contains highly detailed diagrams of sword blades, including the curvature, tip shapes, tang forms, and various hamon (temper patterns) used to identify sword schools and famous smith lineages. Several pages provide precise descriptions of:
- Blade profiles (姿 / sugata)
- Kissaki (鋒) tip shapes
-
Hamon styles (刃文) such as notare, gunome, suguha
-
Nakago (茎) shapes and signature placement
- Cutting edge lengths and classifications
-
Swordsmith genealogies and regional traditions
- Maintenance, terminology, and appraisal notes
This volume also includes lists of renowned swordsmiths, arranged by province, lineage, or stylistic school — information invaluable to Edo-era collectors and still referenced by modern nihontō scholars.
Historical Importance
During the Edo period, sword appreciation evolved into a refined art. Manuals like this one allowed connoisseurs to:
- judge authenticity,
- understand blade construction,
- compare stylistic details,
- recognize regional traits,
- and classify swords according to established traditions.
As a working reference book, many copies did not survive intact. This example retains strong impressions, clear diagrams, and its original indigo-blue cover (藍表紙) with traditional stab binding (和綴じ).
Contents of This Volume
- Dozens of diagrams of sword blades and tangs
- Detailed illustrations of hamon, bo-hi, kissaki, and profile shapes
- Lists and classifications of Japanese swordsmiths
- Edo-period technical terminology
- Metalwork annotations and structural explanations
- Extensive textual explanations of identification techniques
Why This Book Is Rare & Collectible
✔ Original Edo-period printing
✔ Focuses on nihontō, a highly desirable category
✔ Detailed blade diagrams rarely preserved in good condition
✔ Historically used by appraisers and samurai families
✔ Increasingly scarce due to age and practical use
A perfect acquisition for collectors of Japanese swords, samurai culture, Edo-period weapons, antique books, and historical martial arts references.
