B738. Nihon Toko Jiten by Fujishiro

B738.  Nihon Toko Jiten by Fujishiro.  Hardbound, 6 ¼ x 9 ¾”.  2 volumes: Koto Hen, 619 pages; Shinto Hen, 492 pages, in Japanese.  Each volume comes with a stapled index in English.  This is the first book you reach for when researching a sword.  Few pages of text; this all about the swords.  1,000 or so top and mid level smiths are presented with sharp oshigata, typical signatures, information about the work, dates, provinces, relative rankings, and more.  I doubt there are any serious collectors of Nihonto who don't own this set; it is that useful.  I currently also have this set with a full translation; see B758.

The Koto volume is in fine shape with a slightly distressed slipcase (the slipcases on these books aren't top of the line; never much to crow about).  The Shinto volume has no slipcase and there are faint discolorations on the cover; binding and inner pages are fine.  6 pounds, 7 ounces.  Now $200.