B475.  Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868 by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, edited by Morihiro Ogawa.  2009.  Softbound, 9 ¼ x 12 ¼”, 344 pages in English.  This catalog accompanied what was likely the greatest exhibit of Nihonto to take place anywhere in a long, long time.  Never before have so many National Treasure objects left Japan.  I know of Japanese collectors who flew to New York for the show, because where else could they see such important pieces in one place?  And these weren’t your run of the mill National Treasures: the O-Kanehira tachi and a Heian Period suit of armor, and so much more.

Note: my pictures are from the hardbound edition of the book and this one is softbound. Cover art and all pages are the same. The book is big, beautiful, informative, well illustrated, and in like new condition. This book is with a trusted consignor in Japan; he will ship to you and my usual guarantee applies.4 pounds, 2 ounces. $50.