picture of tanto

Meiboku Index and Site Guide

 

Introduction and Announcements

 

How to Read Japanese Signatures (mei)

Terminology for the Varieties of Mei encountered on nakago


Interpreting the various Japanese Dating Systems   

2. Japanese Zodiacal Method

3. Dating from Emperor Jimmu

 

Origins of Japanese Feudal Titles

 

Rokujûyoshû - 'Roads' & Provinces

Old Japanese 'Roads' and Provinces with Abbreviated Forms

Color-code map of the Old Japanese 'Roads' and sword-producing Provinces

 

List of Kanji used in Swordsmiths' Given Names in Romaji Order

List of Swordsmiths using Katakana and Hiragana in their Mei

 

Tameshigiri (Cutting Test) Inscriptions


Blade Characteristics of Japanese Swords

Sugata Forms
Sori Types
Kissaki & Fukura Types
Mune Forms
Bôshi Forms
Hamon Forms
Nie and Nioi Structures
Jihada Types
Nakago Forms
Nakago Jiri Types
Yasurime Types

 

Koshirae - Sword Mountings

Pictorial guides to the Constituent Parts of the Japanese Sword, and of the Buke Zukuri and Ito Maki Tachi Koshirae courtesy of Richard Stein

Articles Clive Sinclaire (British Tôken Society) of the various Styles of Nihontô Mountings hosted by Richard Stein

Glossary

Many of the terms needed to understand Nihontô are defined on site as they are introduced, but for a more complete list see the Glossary of Japanese Sword Terms by Richard Stein.

Nihontô Web Links
Recommended Nihontô Web Links
Some Commercial Nihontô Sites
Nihontô-related Martial Arts Links
Other recommended Japanese Links

 

© 1996 - 2007, 2014 Alan Quinn