Changes

(Schiller, Guido)

(Schiller, Guido)

 

A third, very important thing to know about the japanese sword is the way the schools were placed along the eight main roads of ancient japan.

A third, very important thing to know about the japanese sword is the way  

the schools were placed along the eight main roads of ancient japan.

In Japan there was a division of the local administration called '''Go Kinai''' Shichi Do. Go Ki consists of the capital Kyo (Yamashiro) and four neighbouring provinces. Shichi Do means the provinces along the seven main roads spreading throughout the country.

In Japan there was a division of the local administration called '''Go Kinai''' Shichi Do. Go Ki consists of the capital Kyo (Yamashiro) and four neighbouring provinces. Shichi Do means the provinces along the seven main roads spreading throughout the country.

There are eight provinces in the Sanyo Do, eight provinces in the San-in Do, six provinces in the Nankai Do, fifteen provinces in the Tokai Do, thirteen provinces in the Tosan Do, seven provinces in the Hokuriku Do and nine provinces with two islands in the Saikai Do.

There are eight provinces in the Sanyo Do, eight provinces in the San-in Do, six provinces in the Nankai Do, fifteen provinces in the Tokai Do, thirteen provinces in the Tosan Do, seven provinces in the [[Hokuriku|Hokuriku Do]] and nine provinces with two islands in the Saikai Do.

In Kantei (Attribution), it is very important to know the Go Kinai Shichi Do as the smiths of the same region are to show the regional influence in their work. Therefore the old administrative division is still used in studying the Japanese sword.  

In Kantei (Attribution), it is very important to know the Go Kinai Shichi Do as the smiths of the same region are to show the regional influence in their work. Therefore the old administrative division is still used in studying the Japanese sword.  

*Echigo (Niigata), Sado (Niigata).  

*Echigo (Niigata), Sado (Niigata).  

*Saikai Do: Chikuzen (Fukuoka), Chikugo (Fukuoka), Buzen (Fukuoka and Oh¬ita), Bungo (Fukuoka and Oh-ita), Hizen (Saga and Nagasaki), Higo (Kumamoto), Hiyuga (Miyazaki), Ohsumi (Kagoshima), Satsuma (Kagoshima), Iki (Nagasaki), Tsushima (Nagasaki).

*Saikai Do: Chikuzen (Fukuoka), Chikugo (Fukuoka), Buzen (Fukuoka and Ôita), Bungo (Fukuoka and Ôita), Hizen (Saga and Nagasaki), Higo (Kumamoto), Hyûga (Miyazaki), Ôsumi (Kagoshima), Satsuma (Kagoshima), Iki (Nagasaki), Tsushima (Nagasaki).

(Nagayama Kokan, Token Kantei Dokuhon)  

(Nagayama Kokan, Token Kantei Dokuhon)  

==History of the Japanese sword in relation to Japanese historical periods==

==History of the Japanese sword in relation to Japanese historical periods==

'''Amakuni''', traditionally belived to be the maker of '''Kogarasumaru''' or ‘Little Crow’, the first curved NipponTo, now in the Imperial Household Collection. According to this legend Amakuni was the Emperor’s swordsmith. One day he saw his lord’s army returning from a battle and the Emperor ignored him instead to give the usual cheers for the good work made with the blades. Then he noticed that many soldiers had  broken swords. They where chokuto or straight swords. He was so disappointed of this that he avoid to eat food and drink water for a week, studying a better way to make swords. According to the legend '''Inari''', the Kami of swordsmakers, appeared in a dream to Amakuni, teaching him how to wrap a soft steel core in an harder one, and how a curved edge is more suitable to cuts and more resistant to shocks  than the previous straight one.  

'''Amakuni''', traditionally belived to be the maker of '''Kogarasumaru''' or ‘Little Crow’, the first curved NipponTo, now in the Imperial Household Collection. According to this legend Amakuni was the Emperor’s swordsmith. One day he saw his lord’s army returning from a battle and the Emperor ignored him instead to give the usual cheers for the good work made with the blades. Then he noticed that many soldiers had  broken swords. They where chokuto or straight swords. He was so disappointed of this that he avoid to eat food and drink water for a week, studying a better way to make swords. According to the legend '''Inari''', the Kami of swordsmakers, appeared in a dream to Amakuni, teaching him how to wrap a soft steel core in an harder one, and how a curved edge is more suitable to cuts and more resistant to shocks  than the previous straight one.  

The day after Amakuni made Kogarasu Maru, the ancestor of all NihonTo.   

The day after Amakuni made Kogarasu Maru, the ancestor of all NihonTo.   

Heian was the era of tachi. In this period became customary to sign the blades. The oldest signed blade is probably one tachi forged by '''Sanjo Munechika'''. The oldest tachi with date as well as the name of the smith engraved on the tang is from 1159 and was made by Naminohira Yukimasa.  The shape of a Japanese sword ( Tachi ) in this age is Mihaba ( width ) near the Nakago is wider than that of near Kissaki, so to speak, like a man who standing with keeping his feet. Kissaki is small ( '''Ko-Kissaki''' ) and '''Sori''' ( curvature ) looks like suddenly fall to the ridge side at right above Nakago. But Sori near Monouchi is little. This shape is refined in a sense. '''Hawatari''' (length ) is about 75/80cm. This size is fit to chop the enemy on the ground with riding on Japanese horses. The horses in this age were not like present ones but small and massive. Moreover, it fit to stab the enemy on the ground  because the curvature near the point is little and Nakago (tang) is short compared with the percentage of the blade. Hamon is Sugu, straight.

Heian was the era of tachi. In this period became customary to sign the blades. The oldest signed blade is probably one tachi forged by '''[[Sanjo Munechika|Sanjô Munechika]]'''. The oldest tachi with date as well as the name of the smith engraved on the tang is from 1159 and was made by Naminohira Yukimasa.  The shape of a Japanese sword ( Tachi ) in this age is Mihaba ( width ) near the Nakago is wider than that of near Kissaki, so to speak, like a man who standing with keeping his feet. Kissaki is small ( '''Ko-Kissaki''' ) and '''Sori''' ( curvature ) looks like suddenly fall to the ridge side at right above Nakago. But Sori near Monouchi is little. This shape is refined in a sense. '''Hawatari''' (length ) is about 75/80cm. This size is fit to chop the enemy on the ground with riding on Japanese horses. The horses in this age were not like present ones but small and massive. Moreover, it fit to stab the enemy on the ground  because the curvature near the point is little and Nakago (tang) is short compared with the percentage of the blade. Hamon is Sugu, straight.

During the Heian era two clans, the '''Minamoto''' (Genji) and the '''Taira''' (Heike), raised in power and importance. The end of the era is marked by the battle in Dan-No-Ura, where these two clans clashed together.  

During the Heian era two clans, the '''Minamoto''' (Genji) and the '''Taira''' (Heike), raised in power and importance. The end of the era is marked by the battle in Dan-No-Ura, where these two clans clashed together.  

We have here to remember another legend, still source of debates,  that said in this battle was lost the Ancestral Sword, '''Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi''' , part of the ‘Three Jewels’ the most important treasure still in possession of His Imperial Majesty.  

We have here to remember another legend, still source of debates,  that said in this battle was lost the Ancestral Sword, '''Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi''' , part of the ‘Three Jewels’ the most important treasure still in possession of His Imperial Majesty.  

This ancestral sword was found into the tail of a dragon by the Kami

This ancestral sword was found into the tail of a dragon by the kami

'''Susano-no-Mikoto''' , and was, together with the mirror and the claw-like jewel, the symbol of the Imperial Power. Accordingly to  this legend it was substituted with another sword, the same we can see in the Imperial Treasure today, other sources said the sword lost was a fake, and the original one still remain in the Imperial Treasure.  

[[Susa no O no Mikoto]], and was, together with the mirror and the claw-like jewel, the symbol of the Imperial Power. Accordingly to  this legend it was substituted with another sword, the same we can see in the Imperial Treasure today, other sources said the sword lost was a fake, and the original one still remain in the Imperial Treasure.

===Kamakura Era (1184-1333)===

===Kamakura Era (1184-1333)===

Kamakura swords can be divided into three sub-periods :

Kamakura swords can be divided into three sub-periods :

* Early Kamakura (1184-1231) :

====Early Kamakura (1184-1231)====

In this period, the Kamakura shogunate and court nobles in '''Kyoto''' scrambled for political power. And internal trouble broken out in the Kamakura shogunate. Therefore, demand of swords increased all over the country. This period is a transitional period from the refined shape in the last stage of Heian Era to the mighty shape in next period.

In this period, the Kamakura shogunate and court nobles in '''Kyoto''' scrambled for political power. And internal trouble broken out in the Kamakura shogunate. Therefore, demand of swords increased all over the country. This period is a transitional period from the refined shape in the last stage of Heian Era to the mighty shape in next period.

Sori ( curvature ) does not look like suddenly fall to the ridge side at right above Nakago and the center of Sori moved upper in comparison with the previous period.  

Sori ( curvature ) does not look like suddenly fall to the ridge side at right above Nakago and the center of Sori moved upper in comparison with the previous period.  

Swords made in '''Nioi''' did not exist yet.

Swords made in '''Nioi''' did not exist yet.

* Middle Kamakura (1232 - 1287) :

====Middle Kamakura (1232 - 1287)====

After the war happened in 1232, Hojo family held real power and Kamakura shogunate reinforced their authority. Kamakura became the center of Samurai culture and the demand of sword increased. Kamakura shogunate called in some swordsmiths who have superior skill from Kyoto and Okayama. They moved with family and Kamakura became the center place of the production of swords. The shapes in this period did not remain copies of the older period but changed to be more mighty.

After the war happened in 1232, Hojo family held real power and Kamakura shogunate reinforced their authority. Kamakura became the center of Samurai culture and the demand of sword increased. Kamakura shogunate called in some swordsmiths who have superior skill from Kyoto and Okayama. They moved with family and Kamakura became the center place of the production of swords. The shapes in this period did not remain copies of the older period but changed to be more mighty.

The width became to be greater, but there is no difference between the width near the Kissaki and near Nakago. Thickness also became greater. Moreover, Kissaki became to be  

The width became to be greater, but there is no difference between the width near the Kissaki and near Nakago. Thickness also became greater. Moreover, Kissaki became to be  

Hawatari is about 25cm.

Hawatari is about 25cm.

   

   

* Late Kamakura (1288 -1333) :

====Late Kamakura (1288 -1333)====

The Mongolian invasions attempt of 1274 and 1281 greatly influenced the Japanese sword. Until this period the method of battle in Japan was based on single duels, with rituals as  exchanging names and genealogies each other before fight with no organized formations and tactics. On the contrary Mongolians attacked suddenly in organized formations following tactics. Moreover, their armor were tough and they used weapons which Japanese have never seen before as gunpowder hand-grenades and rockets. Their armors were light and they could move fast. After that the Japanese armors became to be lighter and sword's shape  changed to make them able to chop the light armor without being entrapped and then broken in them.  

The Mongolian invasions attempt of 1274 and 1281 greatly influenced the Japanese sword. Until this period the method of battle in Japan was based on single duels, with rituals as  exchanging names and genealogies each other before fight with no organized formations and tactics. On the contrary Mongolians attacked suddenly in organized formations following tactics. Moreover, their armor were tough and they used weapons which Japanese have never seen before as [[gunpowder]] hand-grenades and rockets. Their armors were light and they could move fast. After that the Japanese armors became to be lighter and sword's shape  changed to make them able to chop the light armor without being entrapped and then broken in them.  

The former blade was Hamaguri-ba. When you chop a hard thing, Hamaguri-ba is suitable, but the armors began to be light and thin in this period. So the blade in this period became to be thin compared with the one of former period. And Kissaki became to be  

The former blade was Hamaguri-ba. When you chop a hard thing, Hamaguri-ba is suitable, but the armors began to be light and thin in this period. So the blade in this period became to be thin compared with the one of former period. And Kissaki became to be  

'''Chu-Kissaki''' (medium length). That is, Kissaki got longer because when Ikubi-Kissaki was damaged, no room for restoration was available. When you stab the enemy, Chu-Kissaki is suitable. Ikubi-Kissaki was wider then Chu-Kissaki. '''Mihaba''' ( width ) becomes to be narrow. This shape looks like the refined one of the first stage of Kamakura, but Kissaki in this period is bigger and the center of Sori moved up. In this way, if the edge became to be thin, strength of the blade decrease. Therefore, you have to make Mihaba wide and if Mihaba become wide, Kissaki become to be bigger. The peak like this change is Odanbira in the next Northern and Southern Dynasties.  

'''Chu-Kissaki''' (medium length). That is, Kissaki got longer because when Ikubi-Kissaki was damaged, no room for restoration was available. When you stab the enemy, Chu-Kissaki is suitable. Ikubi-Kissaki was wider then Chu-Kissaki. '''Mihaba''' ( width ) becomes to be narrow. This shape looks like the refined one of the first stage of Kamakura, but Kissaki in this period is bigger and the center of Sori moved up. In this way, if the edge became to be thin, strength of the blade decrease. Therefore, you have to make Mihaba wide and if Mihaba become wide, Kissaki become to be bigger. The peak like this change is Odanbira in the next Northern and Southern Dynasties.  

The Mongolian Invasions influenced Hamon, too. Obusa-Choji and Juka-Choji was giving way to Choji-ha based on Sugu-ha or Kataochi-gunome, because the blade with very wide Ha is easy to break. Swordsmiths realized it from experience. Ha is harder than the other parts. If the harder part hold the most of the blade, the blade is easy to break because the blade can not absorb the shock. And the top of '''Hi''' (grooves) invariably stop lower.  This is made to leave room for repair when Kissaki is damaged.

The Mongolian Invasions influenced Hamon, too. Obusa-Choji and Juka-Choji was giving way to Choji-ha based on Sugu-ha or Kataochi-gunome, because the blade with very wide Ha is easy to break. Swordsmiths realized it from experience. Ha is harder than the other parts. If the harder part hold the most of the blade, the blade is easy to break because the blade can not absorb the shock. And the top of '''Hi''' (grooves) invariably stop lower.  This is made to leave room for repair when Kissaki is damaged.

In this period, Tanto increased in  number and there is  characteristic shape. That is, Nakago is curved.  This Tanto is called "Mete-zashi ". Samurai put on this Tanto when they wore armor and they put it on the right-side of their waist, handle facing right to be easy unsheathed when armor were in contact with each other, as in a grappling close combat is expected. This Mete-zashi is to stab enemy through a crevice of armors or cut off his neck, so Mihaba is narrow.  

In this period, Tanto increased in  number and there is  characteristic shape. That is, Nakago is curved.  This Tanto is called "Mete-zashi ". Samurai put on this Tanto when they wore armor and they put it on the right-side of their waist, handle facing right to be easy unsheathed when armor were in contact with each other, as in a grappling close combat is expected. This Mete-zashi is to stab enemy through a crevice of armors or cut off his neck, so Mihaba is narrow.

 

===Nambokucho Era (1334-1393)===  

===Nambokucho Era (1334-1393)===  

finally '''Tokugawa Ieyasu''' managed to gain the power, and pacify the country.  

finally '''Tokugawa Ieyasu''' managed to gain the power, and pacify the country.  

In Muromachi Era samurai gradually began to use Uchigatana instead of Tachi. They still used Tachi in this stage and the shapes looks like the first stage of Kamakura Era, that is, Mihaba is narrow and Kissaki is small. But Sori (curvature) is different. In Kamakura Era, the center of Sori is near Nakago or little upper, but the center of Sori in Muromachi Era moved ahead. Curved around '''Monouchi''', the last part of the blade toward the point,  is a characteristic often found of sword in Muromachi Era. This curvature is called '''Sakizori'''.

In Muromachi Era samurai gradually began to use Uchigatana instead of Tachi. They still used Tachi in this stage and the shapes looks like the first stage of Kamakura Era, that is, Mihaba is narrow and Kissaki is small. But Sori (curvature) is different. In Kamakura Era, the center of Sori is near Nakago or little upper, but the center of Sori in Muromachi Era moved ahead. Curved around '''Monouchi''', the last part of the blade toward the point,  is a characteristic often found of sword in Muromachi Era. This curvature is called '''Sakizori'''.

This is a transitional period from Tachi to Katana, so starting from now it is hard to distinguish between the two types. Sword smith made both, and often the shape is not enough to make the difference. The only way to distinguish in between is to watch at the '''Mei''', the swordsmith’s  signature. The Mei must face out from the body when worn. Tachi were worn edge down and Uchigatana edge up. So the position of the Mei on the tang says us which type of blade it is. If no signature is present, the difference is often merely in the mounting type.  

This is a transitional period from Tachi to Katana, so starting from now it is hard to distinguish between the two types. Sword smith made both, and often the shape is not enough to make the difference. The only way to distinguish in between is to watch at the '''Mei''', the swordsmith’s  signature. The Mei must face out from the body when worn. Tachi were worn edge down and Uchigatana edge up. So the position of the Mei on the tang tells us which type of blade it is. If no signature is present, the difference is often merely in the mounting type.

 

 

 

The swords of this era can be divided to three groups:  

The swords of this era can be divided to three groups:  

* Early Muromachi  (1394-1466)  

====Early Muromachi  (1394-1466)====

As the armies grew, the mounted soldiers became ever rarer, and the main force of armies consisted of foot soldiers. Even if many Tachi were still made, the time of the Katana was already dawning. Shorter blades were easier to carry and faster to draw. The centre of curvature of the blade moved to the center as the blades were increasingly designed for a fast draw and to be used on foot. Most swords were 69,7-72,7 cm in length and narrowed towards the point.  

As the armies grew, the mounted soldiers became ever rarer, and the main force of armies consisted of foot soldiers. Even if many Tachi were still made, the time of the Katana was already dawning. Shorter blades were easier to carry and faster to draw. The centre of curvature of the blade moved to the center as the blades were increasingly designed for a fast draw and to be used on foot. Most swords were 69,7-72,7 cm in length and narrowed towards the point.  

* Middle Muromachi  (1467-1554)  

====Middle Muromachi  (1467-1554)====

As the mobility of troops became strategically more important, the swords got even shorter. Most swords manufactured in this period were 60-65 cm long and had the same width all the length of the blade. Such blades were suitable for chopping with one hand and for quick-draw. These Katana are referred to as '''Katate-uchi'''. Katate means one hand. There is no difference of width between '''Monouchi''' and '''Habakimoto''' and the shape has a strong appearance. Nakago became to be short to be suitable for one-hand grip.

As the mobility of troops became strategically more important, the swords got even shorter. Most swords manufactured in this period were 60-65 cm long and had the same width all the length of the blade. Such blades were suitable for chopping with one hand and for quick-draw. These Katana are referred to as '''Katate-uchi'''. Katate means one hand. There is no difference of width between '''Monouchi''' and '''Habakimoto''' and the shape has a strong appearance. Nakago became to be short to be suitable for one-hand grip.

The Katana is replacing the Tachi. The ever-increasing need for swords also meant that not all swords were manufactured to the same high standards as before. The term  

The Katana is replacing the Tachi. The ever-increasing need for swords also meant that not all swords were manufactured to the same high standards as before. The term  

Wakizashi also became to be made and the length are about 40cm. They were  

Wakizashi also became to be made and the length are about 40cm. They were  

made in '''Hira-zukuri''' and have no Sori. Shinto deities and Buddhas or Sanskrit characters engraved on the blade. These engravings are called '''Horimono'''. This type of Wakizashi is characteristic of in this period.

made in '''Hira-zukuri''' and have no Sori. Shinto deities and Buddhas or Sanskrit characters engraved on the blade. These engravings are called '''Horimono'''. This type of Wakizashi is characteristic of in this period.

A particular type of Tanto, called '''Yoroi-doshi''' (armor-piercing began to be made. Yoroi-doshi is to stab enemy through a crevice of armor and the cross-section triangular. Very thick but not broad, with a very strong Kissaki, not very long.  

A particular type of Tanto, called '''Yoroi-doshi''' (armor-piercing began to be made. Yoroi-doshi is to stab enemy through a crevice of armor and the cross-section triangular. Very thick but not broad, with a very strong Kissaki, not very long.

 

* Late Muromachi  (1555-1595)  

====Late Muromachi  (1555-1595)====

In the 12th year of Tenmon, a.D. 1543, the face of warfare in Japan was changed forever. This year the Portuguese first introduced firearms to Japan ,named Tanegashima '''Teppo'''  from the isle in the southern Kyushu where the first portugueses casually landed.  Japanese Daimyo immediately realized the potential of such a weapon, and soon Japan begun the country with the higher number of arquebuses all around the world. A Teppo is very effective and needs much less training in front of a '''Yumi''' the Japanese bow.  

In the 12th year of Tenmon, a.D. 1543, the face of warfare in Japan was changed forever. This year the Portuguese first introduced firearms to Japan ,named Tanegashima '''Teppo'''  from the isle in the southern Kyushu where the first portugueses casually landed.  Japanese Daimyo immediately realized the potential of such a weapon, and soon Japan begun the country with the higher number of arquebuses all around the world. A Teppo is very effective and needs much less training in front of a '''Yumi''' the Japanese bow.  

Even if the early guns were not accurate and it took a long time to reload,  

Even if the early guns were not accurate and it took a long time to reload,  

*Katana - to be 2 shaku (=60.6cm) and longer.

*Katana - to be 2 shaku (=60.6cm) and longer.

Blade lenghts are always measured streight between the Hamachi and the Kissaki.

Blade lengths are always measured in a straight line between the Munemachi and the Kissaki.

Since the official adoption of the metric system in 1891, the traditional  

Since the official adoption of the metric system in 1891, the traditional  

*Katana (and Tachi) - to be 60cm or longer

*Katana (and Tachi) - to be 60cm or longer

This legal classification sometimes doesn't matches with the academical one

This legal classification sometimes doesn't match with the academic one

that is more complex, impling the way in which the blade was originally  

that is more complex, implying the way in which the blade was originally  

intended to be worn (Tachi or Katana) and its purpose.  

intended to be worn (Tachi or Katana) and its purpose.  

An academically called '''Sunnobi-Tanto''', because it is always a little longer  

Academically speaking a '''Sunnobi-Tanto''', is so-called because it is always a little longer  

then one Shaku (30.3 cm) is legally speaking a Wakizashi.   

then one Shaku (30.3 cm) and is these days legally speaking a Wakizashi.   

(Takeuchi, Alexander)

(Takeuchi, Alexander)

period.

period.

* Keigen-Shinto period (1596 - 1623)

====Keigen-Shinto period (1596 - 1623)====

Keigen is a name of an era in Shinto time made by mixing

Keigen is a name of an era in Shinto time made by mixing

brigter then the japanese one and soon the fashion went out.   

brigter then the japanese one and soon the fashion went out.   

   

   

* Kanbun-Shinto period (1658 -1683)   

====Kanbun-Shinto period (1658 -1683)====    

In this period the center of swordmaking were Edo and Osaka, and new style  

In this period the center of swordmaking were Edo and Osaka, and new style  

'''Sai Jo O Wazamono''', the top of the top in cutting ability. Tests were made to fix such a classification, but this tests weren’t performed with Koto blades, considered too valuable to risk them in '''Tameshigiri''', so this classification must be taken with a grain of salt. Most swords in this period shows '''Yakidashi''' and from now on the hamon type called '''Toran-Ha''' becomes in fashion.     

'''Sai Jo O Wazamono''', the top of the top in cutting ability. Tests were made to fix such a classification, but this tests weren’t performed with Koto blades, considered too valuable to risk them in '''Tameshigiri''', so this classification must be taken with a grain of salt. Most swords in this period shows '''Yakidashi''' and from now on the hamon type called '''Toran-Ha''' becomes in fashion.     

* Genroku-Shinto period (1684 -1763)

====Genroku-Shinto period (1684 -1763)====

Genroku is belived to be a golden period for art and manufacturing.  

Genroku is belived to be a golden period for art and manufacturing.  

* First Half of Shinshinto (1764 - 1829)

====First Half of Shinshinto (1764 - 1829)====

As Sukehiro and Shinkai were highly praised by Kamada Natae in his book  

As Sukehiro and Shinkai were highly praised by Kamada Natae in his book  

* Latter half of Shinshinto (1830 - 1868)

====Latter half of Shinshinto (1830 - 1868)====

Till to 1868 swords which more emphasized mighty shape were made in this  

Till to 1868 swords which more emphasized mighty shape were made in this  

the time of modernization known as '''Meiji restoration'''.

the time of modernization known as '''Meiji restoration'''.

In order to modernize the nation Meiji Tenno needed to delete the ancient  

In order to modernize the nation Meiji Tenno needed to delete the ancient  

classes and establish more modern ones. The samurai were deprived of their  

classes and establish more modern ones. The samurai were deprived of their  

old privileges - including the right to carry the Daisho, that has been  

old privileges - including the right to carry the Daisho, that has been  

prerogative of their class for almost 250 years.  

prerogative of their class for almost 250 years.  

Nonetheless, Meiji Tenno can be considered a Nihonto lover and he took many

Nonetheless, Meiji Tenno can be considered a Nihonto lover and he took many steps to preserve the ancient traditions in this art. His actions were a mere necessity.  

steps to preserve the ancient traditions in this art. His actions were

a mere necessity.  

With no market for swords most smiths had to find some other source of  

With no market for swords most smiths had to find some other source of  

income leaving the production of blades. A lot of knowledge has been lost here, as already happened before. While the growing militarism colonial wars once again made  

income leaving the production of blades. A lot of knowledge has been lost here, as already happened before. While the growing militarism colonial wars once again made swords necessary, most of these were mass-produced in factories and so can't be considered NihonTo.The period from 1895 to 1925 was an harsh one for the Japanese sword, and most of the tatara were lost, as well as tradictions and schools.  

swords necessary, most of these were mass-produced in factories and so can't

With a strong army at power and the nationalism pushing ofr national proudness the Japan in the 1930’s saw a brief re-born of traditional sword manufacturers, and the '''Yasukuni Jinja''' Tatara is surely the best of this period.  

be considered NihonTo.The period from 1895 to 1925 was an harsh one for the

Japanese sword, and most of the tatara were lost, as well as tradictions  

and schools.  

With a strong army at power and the nationalism pushing ofr national proudness  

the Japan in the 1930’s saw a brief re-born of traditional sword manufacturers, and the '''Yasukuni Jinja''' Tatara is surely the best of this period.  

The best swords made in this period are from Yasukuni, and the school

The best swords made in this period are from Yasukuni, and the school

produced some good smith. All of the "Yasukuni smiths" have their name

produced some good smith. All of the "Yasukuni smiths" have their name

beginning with the "Yasu" Kanji.

beginning with the "Yasu" Kanji.

A near-deadly blow came after the Japan's surrender, when the Americans  

A near-deadly blow came after the Japan's surrender, when the Americans  

forbade the manufacturing of swords. About 400.000 historically and  

forbade the manufacturing of swords. About 400.000 historically and  

==References==  

==References==  

 

*Satô Kanzan, "The Japanese Sword"

01) Kanzan, Sato - "The Japanese Sword"

*Nagayama Kokan, "Tôken Kantei Dokuhon"

 

*Tokuno Kazuo, "Tôkô Taikan"

02) Kokan, Nagayama - "Token Kantei Dokuhon"

*Iida Kazuo, "Shin Nihontô Kantei Nyûmon"

*John M. Yumoto, "The Samurai Sword"

03) Tokuno, Kazuo - "Toko Taikan"

*Sôemon and Kiyoshige, "Nihontô Kôza" vol. I,II,III,IV and V

 

*Gregory Irvine, "The Japanese Sword"

04) IIda, Kazuo - "Shin NihonTo Kantei Nyumon"

*Fujishiro Matsuo, ''Nihon tôkô jiten'' vol. I and II

 

*Fuller and Gregory, "Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945"

05) Yumoto, John M. - "The Samurai Sword"

*Tokyo National Museum Catalogue, "Masterpieces of Japanese Art," 1990

 

*Articles by Schiller, Guido and Takeuchi, Alexander S. (attribution given  

06) Souemon + Kiyoshige - "NihonTo Koza" vol. I,II,III,IV and V

 

07) Irvine, Gregory - "The Japanese Sword"

 

08) Fujishiro, Matsuo - Nihon Toko Jiten vol. I and II

 

09) Fuller + Gregory - "Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945"

 

10) Tokyo National Museum Catalogue "Masterpieces of Japanese Art" 1990

 

Articles by Schiller, Guido and Takeuchi, Alexander S. (attribution given  

in the article's text)

in the article's text)

''((See also [[Japanese Sword Handle Visual Glossary]] and [[Japanese Sword Visual Glossary]]))''

==See Also==

*[[Japanese Sword Handle Visual Glossary]]

*[[Japanese Sword Visual Glossary]]

[[Category:Arms and Armor]]

[[Category:Arms and Armor]]

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