Japanese Sword
Point 1: THE SWORD, THE SOUL OF THE SAMURAI
Swords play a central role in Japanese tradition and are widely admired for their
elegance, beauty, technical excellence and spiritual qualities.
In Shinto, the Shintai or Body of Kami (spirit) can be found in a stone, tree, river,
mountain or a human made object such a sword or a mirror. A mirror reflects the
light of the sun, which is revered as the highest divine power for the sensible reason
that it is the source of all life on the planet.
Swords are frequently used as objects of spiritual healing as their power and beauty
make them yorishiro, objects that by their very nature attract a sacred energy.
As Michihiro Tanobe, former Senior Managing Director of the Society for the
Preservation of the Japan Art Sword (NBTHK) writes:
The Japanese people have traditionally expected objects to have artistic beauty in
addition to practical excellence and the pursuit of beauty in all spheres of activity
has always been inherent in their nature.
Iron is a material with a shiny and cold quality but the Japanese were able to give it
life and make it bloom as an artistic object.
Gaining an understanding of who the fearless Samurai were and what their sword
represented to them is of vital importance.
Samurai warriors were the elite of four classes of Japanese feudal society (1185-
1868);
Samurai Warrior Class
Second class Farmers
Third class Craftsmen
Forth class Merchants
The term, Samurai, is a derivative of the Japanese verb for service, saburau (SA-
BOO-RA-OH). Samurai literally means one who serves, and that is how they
began, SERVING AND PROTECTING the imperial family and subsequently
other lords.
During the Edo Period (1600-1868), the Samurai were expected
to PROTECT members of the other three classes.
Samurai were inspired by Bushido Military-Knight-Ways is an unwritten code of
moral principles which the knights (Samurai) were required or instructed to observe.
Not merely fighters, the Samurai were also dedicated and inspired men of culture. In
short, the Samurai were a class act.
Above is an Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Japanese Samurai performing and
admiring Ikebana (The art of Japanese flower arrangement)
Bushido made the sword its emblem of power and spirit. The very possession of
such a valuable instrument imparts to him a feeling and an air of self-respect and
responsibility. What he carries in his belt is a symbol of what he carries in his mind
and heart loyalty and honour.
The term Shido means The Way of the Samurai. The ultimate warriors code
of honor, the Way of the Samurai is to protect your truth. Never betray yourself. A
Samurai would choose death over living with an untrue heart. **
Often, the second son was born into a life of warfare, as the first son was needed to
take care of the family household. As part of his training, a Samurai warrior
considered it his foremost concern to keep death in mind at all times. Doing so,
will fulfill the ways of loyalty and familial duty.
A true Samurai was never loud, boastful or a braggart. This type of character was
reserved for those of lower stature. A Samurai was modest, independent and
appreciated the beauty of life. A quiet character perhaps; certainly one with a silent
intensity unlike any other.
Their sword embodied such commitment, a legacy, a vessel for their enduring soul.
Perhaps most significantly, the Samurai lived for the day, for this very moment.
As Tokugawa Ieyasu (founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan
in the early 17th century) famously said, The Sword is the Soul of the Samurai.
The western world is generally familiar with the long katana that one sees in movies
and books. However, the Samurai had more types of swords at his disposal. Lets
now explore these fascinating types of swords:
THE TACHI
Above: A Heian Period Naminohira Yukiyasu Tachi (circa 1180)
Above is an image of a Ukiyo-e woodblock print of Nitta Yoshisada. Notice the
tachi sword slung from his waist line.
Tachi were long curved swords often used by armored Samurai on horseback from
the Heian period (794-1185) into the Kamakura period (1185-1333). They were
loosely suspended from the belt with the edge downwards and were able to be drawn
efficiently for cutting down enemy foot soldiers. This is how many battles were
fought, above the ground, on horseback.
It is very interesting to note that in the beginning, the sword was not the weapon of
choice of the Samurai. It was, in fact, the bow and arrow. Kyuba no Michi or the
Way of the Horse and Bow was the code which pioneering Samurai lived.
Generally speaking, tachi swords are long, quite curvy and light. This made it easier
to draw from the scabbard when riding. Tachi should always be displayed with the
blade down, as if it is smiling.
For sword connoisseurs, there is nothing quite like the majestic beauty of a Samurai
tachi, especially one with full exquisite mountings and preferably from the
Kamakura period. As such, they can be very expensive.
THE KATANA
Above is signed 1549 Nagayuki Katana. Certified Koshu Tokubetsu Hozon (Judged
to be Extraordinarily Precious by the NBTHK).
Katana swords, used from the Muromachi period (1392-1573) onwards, were worn
through the belt edge uppermost (blade up). This was due to the changing style of
warfare during the Period of Warring Provinces (1467-1573) when battles between
well-armed horseman gradually gave way to large-scale warfare between great
armies of infantry.
A sword longer than two shaku (60.6cm) is considered to be a katana.
By placing the edge up in the scabbard, the Samurai warrior is able to draw his
katana to cut downwards towards his opponent in one dramatically smooth and
quick motion. In movies, Samurai duels tend to be long drawn-out and fantastically
orchestrated events. In reality a Samurai sword duel was most often over in an
instant.
Many such swords, known as uchigatana (hitting swords), were correspondingly
shorter than the tachi, typically around 60cm-64cm. They were intended for use in
one hand, and have very short tangs. Uchigatana swords were very popular with
warriors during the Late Muromachi period when the country was in deep conflict.
From the Edo period onwards (after 1600), katanas became longer, and standardized
in length. As a basic rule, Edo period swords tend to have less curvature and heavier
than koto or older swords made before the Edo period.
And on the Samurai were permitted to carry the katana in the Edo period.
THE WAKIZASHI
Above is a photo of my very first sword (not for sale!). It is a long wakizashi (or o-
wakizashi) from the early Edo Period (17th century). The swordsmiths title is
Hitachi Daijo Fujiwara Narisada.
Above is a beautiful Kinmichi wakizashi that is more like the standard wakizashi
length of about 40cm.
The wakizashi (side or companion sword) was the shorter of the two swords, worn
at all times by the Samurai. In contrast, the katana was usually only carried
outdoors due to its length basically it was too cumbersome to have a long katana
slung indoors.
The length of a wakizashi is between one shaku (30.3cm) and two shaku (60.6cm).
When the Samurai was seen in public he could be admired for carrying what is
known as the daisho . Literally meaning big and small, it is the traditional name
given to a matched pair of swords (the katana and wakizashi).
Only Samurai carried a daisho and it was a privilege reserved only for this elite
class. In accordance with the Buke Shohatto (Laws of the Military Houses) edict of
1629 at the start of the Edo period defining the duties of a warrior, Samurai were
required to wear matching swords when on official duty.
THE TANTO
The sword above was crafted by Yoshshige in the 19th century, Shinshinto period.
View Catalogue 19.5 for further details.
The tanto is a very tough and sharp sword designed primarily to pierce through
armor. Although the tanto may not gather as much fame as the celebrated wakizashi
or katana, do not underestimate their importance both as a trusted weapon and
symbol of the Samurai class.
Swords that are no longer than one shaku (30.3cm) in length are registered as a
tanto.
Historically speaking, a tanto is a dagger carried by men and women of the Samurai
class in Japan. Due to its size and ability to be concealed, it was a useful weapon
for in close quarters when a long katana or slightly shorter wakizashi would not
suffice.
Women of the Samurai class tended to wear their tanto in their kimono obi for good
luck and protection from evil. In rare instances, their tanto was used for jigai (or
suicide).
In Samurai circles, the bride received a tanto as part of her wedding gifts. Many of
these daggers had black-lacquered handles and matching scabbards. They could be
carried in a pouch of brocade with a drawstring for easy access.
Even today, a Japanese tanto is given as a gift as part of the ceremony of some
traditional Japanese weddings.
There is a definitely a wonderful appeal to owning a tanto. It is a discreet and
powerful symbol of the Samurai class.
THE NAGINATA
Above is a wonderful Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Yoshikazu (~1865) of General
Kusunoki Masashige during the Nambokucho period (1333-1392) on his horse with
his fierce naginata in hand. Many Naginata swords were converted into wakizashis
over the centuries.
Above Right: A Pristine 17th Century Naginata that was sold to a private collector.
The naginata is a glaive-like pole-arm with a curved, single-edged blade that
broadens out toward the point. Many naginatas were shortened to become
wakizashi swords.
Benkei, the legendary huge and loyal warrior monk from the 12th century carried a
Naginata. He is most famous for posting himself at a bridge in Kyoto and defeating
999 Samurai and collecting their swords. The 1000th warrior he faced was
Minamoto Yoshitsune who defeated him. Benkei then became one of Minamotos
most trusted warriors and eventually died in battle under his service.
Would you prefer an antique sword with over 400 years of history such as those in
the Kamakura (1185-1333), Nambokucho (1333-1392) or Muromachi (1392-1573)
periods?
Perhaps a more artistic sword with a decorative hamon (temper line of the blade)
made in the Edo period (~1600-1867)?
Or maybe a brand new piece made by a modern-day swordsmith who passionately
carries on the sword-making traditions of centuries past?
MODERN-DAY SWORDS
At Unique Japan we can happily arrange for customers to purchase a brand
new gendaito (modern sword) made by a living swordsmith. As there is an output
quota placed on modern swordsmiths (only two katana or three wakizashi per
month), these swords are typically quite expensive (over $13,000). The advantage
though is that these swords can have your family name engraved on the tang.
Point 4: BUDGET
Investment into an antique Japanese Samurai sword is surprisingly less than you
might expect. Prices generally start at about $5,000.
More prestigious swords, such as those certified as NBTHK Juyo Token, are
generally valued at over $30,000.
Japanese swords were once more expensive in the 1980s when Japan was riding an
economic miracle called the bubble. During this period, Japanese swords were
being sold for more than 3 times the price they are now.
Then the bubble burst. And Japan has never been quite the same since the early 90s.
In my opinion, its only a matter of time that more people around the world will
discover the beauty of the Japanese sword and the price of these prized antiques will
surely rise.
This is especially true for the more sought after pieces.
In the end, a number of factors influence the final cost of the piece such as:
Whether the swordsmith or school has a superior reputation
Whether the sword holds interesting provenance/heritage to form an alluring
story
Whether the blade has achieved a particular certification ranking (more on this in
Point 7)
The overall condition of the blade; a more flawless piece will be more expensive
(and will hold better value)
Signed blades generally are more expensive than unsigned swords, but this is not
always the case
The period when it was made (ie. A 13th century Kamakura period sword will
generally command a higher price point)
The quality of the pieces that make up the koshirae mounting (if it even has a
mounting, more on this subject in Point 6)
When it comes to investing in antiques, its wise advice to buy the best that you can
afford. Its better to have fewer higher-valued items than several average quality
pieces.
At Unique Japan, we take pride in working within most any budget range and seek
to advise clients on the best investment opportunity for them.
In the end, our clients just know in their heart when they see the right piece. There
is a common saying within Samurai circles that the sword always chooses its owner.
Cash discounts and Layaway plans
Credit card companies charge us a small % for each transaction. We happily pass on
this saving to our customers who settle payment in cash or direct bank wire transfer.
Our low-cost layaway plan is something I am particularly proud of. As the
investment into a sword is a sizeable one, it makes a lot more sense for most clients
to spread payment over a few months.
This also makes it possible for clients to afford the sword they truly desire.
Our Layaway plan offers a 40-DAY NO INTEREST window with a small
interest charge levied for terms of 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year.
The interest charge goes to help pay for storing, cleaning and maintaining your
sword in proper condition while its being paid off.
Few things in life are more impressive than the strength and beauty of a Japanese
swords steel. Below are points to consider when examining the blade.
HAMON (temper line)
The hamon or badge of the blade is the line defining the hardened edge and the
crystalline structures within it. The quenching process that decides the texture of
the jihada (ground skin) is primarily intended to form the hamon.
Broadly speaking, a hamon comes in three classifications; suguha (straight)
, notare (gentle wave) and midare (irregular or wild).
Like the curvature of the sword, different patterns of the hamon emerged at different
time periods. It is a very personal decision where the hamon speaks to the admirer.
More often than not, clients prefer a wavy hamon, but there is definitely much to
admire in a perfectly straight suguha hamon. A word of advice is not to be too quick
to judge the hamon.
EXAMPLES OF HAMON PATTERNS
From Late Heian to Early Kamakura period (1000AD ~)
suguha or straight temper line
From Mid-Kamakura period (1200AD ~)
choji or clove temper line
Its important to keep in mind that a metallurgically well-made sword will exhibit
harmony between the jihada (surface skin) and the hamon. It is just not possible to
have a sword with a good hamon and a poor jihada, or vice versa.
Images from Art of the Japanese Sword by Empty Mind Films
The laminations produced by the folding process during the manufacture of the
blade result in a visible grain on the surface. The grain in the jigane (metal of the
ground) can be one of several types, or a mixture of them.
The most widely found resembles the grain of a cut and planed piece of timber and
is called itame (plank grain). A similar grain consisting of closed concentric rings is
called mokume (wood grain).
Another type is called masame (true grain) which looks like a series of parallel
lines, like the appearance of a log cut down the centre. More unusual formations
include hitatsura (full temper) nashiji (pearskin), ayasugi (wavy adulating lines) and
the famous konuka hada (rice bran), which one typically finds on swords from
Hizen in Kyushu.
A word on the Swordsmith
The swordsmith was an inspired artist and his workshop a sanctuary. Daily he
commenced his craft with prayer and purification, or as the phrase was the
swordsmith committed his soul and spirit into the forging an tempering of the
steel.
Every swing of the sledge, every plunge into water, every fiction on the grindstone,
was a religious act of grand intention.
NAKAGO (tang)
A swords tang (nakago) is never polished so as to help determine the age of the
sword with decent accuracy. The nakago (tang) of koto (pre 1600) swords is thus
very dark, almost black and soft in texture. The reason why the tang is so dark is
because the steel has been left to rust for that much longer.
The nakago (tang) is an integral part of the whole sword, and its shape and size
influence its cutting efficacy of the weapon. Since the Heian period (794-1185)
when it was customary for smiths to sign their work, the tangs have been an
invaluable guide to the whole history of sword-making in Japan. Name of the smith,
and place and date of manufacture are found on many swords of earlier periods.
Many tangs are not signed, which is not necessarily a bad thing. In the Yamato
tradition for example, finding a signed tang is likely finding the Holy Grail!
While there may be some truth this, the primary reason for having a groove
helps to make the sword lighter and cut stronger as it takes on the cross-section
shape and characteristics of an i-beam.