Nanban tsuba, a Canton group
IntroductionAmong the genre generally classified as Nanban tsuba there is a distinct group with characteristics that point towards Southern Chinese manufacture, most likely its largest port and production center: Canton…
Signed "nanban tsuba"
Among the work classified as "nanban", signed work is very rare. Here are some examples of signed works in the style.
Balinese keris blade finishing
The Balinese keris is known for its smooth finish with starkly contrasting black iron and silver pamor. This article gives an eye witness account of how this was achieved.
Construction methods of Japanese swords
This article will describe several methods by which the Japanese joined higher and lower carbon steels into their blades.
Knives and swords of the Ainu
19th-century ethnographers noticed that they had no iron production and relied solely on trade for articles like knives and swords. However, archaeologists found iron working facilities in 1988 and 1990.
Qing military rattan shield production
Translation of a page from Qing regulations that describes the production of the Qing military rattan shield.
The Padri Gun by Westenenk
Translation from the 1908 Dutch language article by Louis Constant Westenenk.
Scientific analysis of two Southeast Asian swords
Using X-ray fluorescence and radiocarbon dating.
The Qianlong emperor's dagger from Jinchuan
In this article, we will zoom into a shortsword or dagger that was obtained from the Jinchuan campaigns of 1747-1749 and 1771-1776.
Asian arms in Dutch master paintings
Dutch masters' fascination with exotic Asian wares shown in a series of paintings.
Construction of the Qing dynasty long spear
From an 1812 text regarding the manufacture of Qing military equipment.
A Burmese da glossary
A glossary of the terminology of the Burmese dha and related items.