Colonne

Swords in the Tenwa-Jokyo-Genroku Era (1681-1703): How the Shift from Martial to Civil Rule Transformed the Sword Market

The Tokugawa Tsunayoshi era saw a profound shift from martial to civil rule. This article examines how those political changes transformed Japanese sword production, aesthetics, and market dynamics.

The Rise of Independent Tsuba Makers and School Formation: How Japan's Guard Craftsmen Became a Specialized Art Lineage

An explanation of when and how tsuba (sword guard) makers separated from swordsmiths to become an independent craft specialty, covering the evolution from Kamakura-period dual roles to Azuchi-Momoyama independence, Edo-period school formation, the master-apprentice system, and the contemporary tsuba artist scene.

Tsumiwakashi: The Forge-Welding Science Behind Stacking and Heating Multiple Steel Pieces in Japanese Swordmaking

Tsumiwakashi, the process of stacking and forge-welding multiple tamahagane pieces, is the foundational step before folding in Japanese swordmaking. This article examines the science and artisan intuition behind this critical process.

Comparative Analysis of Gokaden Steel Textures: A Scientific Guide to Identifying Jihada Differences Across Bizen, Soshu, Mino, Yamato, and Yamashiro Schools

Tools and Materials of Blade Carving: Chisels, Knives, and Whetstones Used by Modern Horimono Specialists

金屋子神と鍛冶神事——刀工が守る製鉄の神道と作刀前の祈りの実態

日本の製鉄・鍛冶に関わる守護神「金屋子神（かなやごかみ）」への信仰と、刀工が代々守り継いできた神事・禁忌・儀礼の実態を解説する。宗教と職人技術の交差点に光を当てる。

Kantotachi: Ring-Pommel Swords of the Kofun Period and Their Continental Origins and Japanese Transformation

The Kenmu Restoration and Sword Culture: How Emperor Go-Daigo's Anti-Shogunate Movement Transformed Blade Production in the Age of Courts

Kirikane Goldwork and Sword Ornaments: How Buddhist Metalworking Techniques Influenced Sword Fitting Decoration

Menukishi: The Specialized Metalworking Craftsmen Who Create Decorative Handle Ornaments for Japanese Swords

室町中期の足軽と刀——応仁の乱以降の足軽武装実態と数打ち刀の普及

応仁の乱（1467〜77年）を境に、戦国時代の主役となった「足軽」の武装実態を解明する。足軽が実際に携行した刀の種類・品質・入手経路と、数打ち刀（大量生産刀）の普及が刀剣業界にもたらした構造変化を時代史とともに論じる。

日本刀の外交贈答史——将軍・大名が贈った刀剣外交の慣習と現代への継承

日本刀は国内の贈答品にとどまらず、室町期から江戸期にかけて外交の道具として活用された。将軍家が朝鮮・明・琉球・オランダへ贈った刀剣外交の実態と、その慣習が現代の贈答文化に残す影響を解説する。