SAMURAI BOOKS
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Katchū no Bijitsu
Samurai Helmets is the first instalment in a comprehensive four-part series that delves into the intricate and fascinating world of samurai armour. This volume focuses on the iconic helmets, exploring their historical significance, craftsmanship, and evolution over centuries. Each subsequent book in the series will expand upon different aspects of samurai armour, including facemasks, full suits of armour, and the associated regalia used by these legendary warriors.
Volume 1: 114 pages
Printed in colour
50 Helmets
Available as a standard softback or limited edition hardback
Release Date Oct 2024
Publications
Welcome to The Gusoku Editions, a prestigious series of books that offers an in-depth exploration of Japanese armour. Each volume is dedicated to a single, meticulously photographed suit of armour, showcasing its intricate details from multiple angles.
Accompanying these stunning visuals are comprehensive descriptions and rich historical insights, providing readers with a deep understanding of the craftsmanship and cultural significance of each chosen armour. Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese martial heritage with The Gusoku Editions, where every page reveals the artistry and history behind these remarkable works of art.
Series 1
Introducing Series One of The Gusoku Editions, an exquisite collection featuring four remarkable pieces of Japanese armour, each with unique historical and cultural significance:
Edition 1: Showcases a late Muromachi period red and orange laced Tachi-dō gusoku, originally owned by a member of the Naito clan, vassals of the powerful Takeda. The accompanying kabuto is an early koboshi type, highlighting the armour’s historical depth and craftsmanship.
Edition 2: Highlights a mid-Edo period Yukinoshita-dō gusoku, favoured by the Daté clan for its robust, bulletproof protection ideal for mounted warriors. This armour is paired with a suji-tate kabuto crafted by the renowned Myōchin school.
Edition 3: Features a late Edo period Kebiki go-mai-dō gusoku adorned with the crest of the Maeda clan. This highly decorative armour, designed for parades and special occasions, includes a kabuto from the distinguished Saōtome school.
Edition 4: Presents a Kebiki tachi-dō gusoku from the Inoue clan, constructed with hon-kozane (individual scales) and paired with an Etchu kabuto.
Each volume in Series One offers a deep dive into the history, artistry, and cultural context of these extraordinary armours, providing readers with a comprehensive and visually stunning exploration of Japan’s martial heritage.
Series One is sold as a four book compendium (A4) the set also includes a limited edition (A3) art print.
£170.00 Includes shipping
In Production - Samurai Way of the Gun
“Samurai – The Way of the Gun” is a groundbreaking book currently in production. It’s the first of its kind. When firearms were introduced to Japan in the mid-sixteenth century, their integration into battlefield warfare was slow at first. The first significant use of firearms occurred at the Battle of Nagashino, where Oda forces decimated the Takeda army. This book focuses on the evolution of Japanese armour from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, illustrating the dynamic changes in armour manufacturing as firearms became more powerful. As weapons advanced, armour had to provide greater protection for its wearers. “Samurai – The Way of the Gun” delves into this fascinating period of transformation, offering a comprehensive exploration of how the rise of firearms reshaped the samurai’s iconic armour and battlefield tactics.