Neuheiten — Aktuelle Neuzugänge finden Sie in unserem Katalog. Ansehen →
Einblicke in das Wissen über japanische Schwerter und die Kultur
"Suriage (blade shortening)" is a process of cutting and shortening the tang (nakago) to modify long tachi into short uchigatana, which was performed extensively from the Muromachi through early Edo periods. This article explains the classification of complete suriage, major suriage, and minor suriage; the treatment of signatures (mei)—such as folded-back signatures and appraisals; the distinctive characteristics of the tang shape after suriage; its impact on value; and methods for distinguishing legitimate suriage from fraudulent modifications made in later periods.
An expert guide to the tachi-making process of the Koto period, from tamahagane selection through forging, quenching, polishing, and koshirae creation.
A practical guide to nihonto valuation before selling: the 7 major factors that determine market price, including NBTHK certification grade, smith reputation, condition, fittings, provenance, current market trends, and how to choose the right appraiser.
The Onin War fundamentally transformed the geographic and economic structure of the Japanese sword industry. This article analyzes the hardship of Bizen Osafune, the rise of Mino swords, and the emergence of mass-produced sword economics.
Bishu Osafune Morimitsu (備州長船盛光) was a sword smith of the Osafune school active during the early Muromachi period in the Oei era (1394–1427). Alongside his contemporary Yasumitsu (康光), he is called "the twin peaks of Oei Bizen." Inheriting the traditions of Kamakura Bizen while incorporating the new styles of Muromachi, his elegant blades are today highly valued as Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures. This article provides a detailed examination of Morimitsu's techniques, historical context, and representative works.
Rai Kunimitsu, active in the late Kamakura through early Nanbokuchō period (14th century), is the foremost master of the Yamashiro Rai school. His blades — characterized by crystalline suguha hamon and lustrous jitetsu — include National Treasures and remain among the world's most prized Japanese swords.
How were long swords, katanas, and short swords deployed in Sengoku-period battles? This article explains the reality of their use in grappling, castle interior combat, and pursuit based on primary historical sources.
Soshu-den (Kamakura) and Bizen-den (Okayama/Osafune) are the two major schools representing Japanese swords and possess contrasting aesthetics in steel quality, blade patterns, and overall form. This article thoroughly compares the characteristics of both schools, their representative smiths, authentication points, and differences in collecting value, approaching the essence of Japanese sword authentication.
Suishinshi Masahide, active in late Edo Japan, is considered the father of the Shinsintō revival movement. Through his treatises on ancient sword aesthetics and his many disciples, he transformed late-Edo sword-making and inspired a generation of blade smiths.
Tokugawa Ieyasu was not only a political leader but an architect of Japanese sword policy. This article examines how his recruitment of swordsmiths to Edo, patronage of the Honami family, and collection of famous blades established the sword order of the Edo period.
Expert explanations of the histories, current locations, and appreciation points of real famous swords that became famous through Touken Ranbu—including Mikazuki Munechika, Tsurumaru Kuninaga, Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, and Shokudaikiri Mitsutada.
Tsuchiya Yasuchika (ca. 1670–ca. 1744) was a sword fittings metalworker of the mid-Edo period and one of the "Three Great Edo Metalworkers" alongside Yokoya Somin and Nara Toshinaga. His diverse works in high relief and colored metals, with the dragon designs known as the "Dragon of Yasuchika" at their apex, are regarded as the pinnacle of sword fitting art. This article comprehensively explores Yasuchika's life, techniques, masterpieces, and legacy.
