* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Development of Commoner Sword Culture in Mid-Edo Period
江戸中期の庶民刀剣文化の発展
In the mid-Edo period, from the Genroku to the Kyōhō era (c. 1688-1750), urban commerce developed greatly. Under the edict of Kanbun 8 (1668), townspeople were forbidden to wear long swords, but there were no restrictions on wakizashi. From around the Kyōhō era, as wearing swords became established as a privilege of status, a longing for the right to wear swords arose among commoners.
Description
Restrictions on Townspeople Wearing Swords
Under the edict of Kanbun 8 (1668), townspeople were forbidden to wear long swords, and the sword became a mark of samurai status. However, there were no restrictions on wakizashi, and townspeople sometimes wore two swords on special occasions such as festivals, in the pleasure quarters, or while traveling, though this lasted only until Tenna 3 (1683).
Myōji Taitō and the Longing to Wear Swords
Daimyō and hatamoto sometimes granted myōji taitō (the privilege of a surname and of wearing swords) to influential peasants and townspeople in their domains, according to family background or meritorious service. From around the Kyōhō era, as wearing swords was established as a privilege of status, a longing for the right to wear swords arose. Some people put forward various claims of lineage and obtained permission to wear swords for official duties, emergencies, or ceremonies.
Townspeople and Wakizashi
While long swords were forbidden, townspeople continued to wear wakizashi at all times until the edict of Kyōhō 5 (1720).
The Flowering of Townsperson Culture
From the Genroku to the Kyōhō era, townsperson culture flourished greatly, including kabuki, ukiyo-e, and haikai.
Characteristics of This Era
- In the mid-Edo period, from the Genroku to the Kyōhō era (c. 1688-1750), the social and economic status of commoners rose along with the development of the urban economy
- Under the edict of Kanbun 8 (1668), townspeople were forbidden to wear long swords, but there were no restrictions on wakizashi
- Daimyō and hatamoto sometimes granted myōji taitō (the privilege of a surname and of wearing swords) to influential peasants and townspeople according to family background or meritorious service
- From around the Kyōhō era, wearing swords was established as a privilege of status, and a longing for the right to wear swords arose