Today, I would like to introduce you to Japanese swords.
A Japanese sword is a weapon and a work of art that brings together the skills of craftsmen.
The functional beauty of the Japanese sword was highly evaluated, and it became an object of worship and a symbol of authority.
【National treasure sword】
Sanjo Mikazuki Munechika
This sword dates from the Heian period and is called the most beautiful sword in Tenka-Goken.
Tenka-Goken is a general term for the most famous swords that were made from the Heian period to the Muromachi period and still remain today.
Kuniyuki Rai
This sword is from the middle of the Kamakura period.
It was passed on to the Akashi Matsudaira family in Harima Province.
This sword has a unique carving called Sankotsukiken.
Kuniyuki Taima
This sword is from the late Kamakura period.
It was passed on to the Abe family, the lord of the Fukuyama domain, in Bingo Province.
Nobuyoshi Ryumon
This sword is from the late Kamakura period.
Two styles of Yamato and Bizen are mixed, and this work conveys the style of Bizen.
【Gokaden】
In Japan, there are five traditional ways to make a sword called Gokaden.
The Gokaden consists of five areas: Yamato, Yamashiro, Bizen, Soshu, and Mino.
Yamato-den
Yamato-den is said to be the oldest of the five factions.
The five schools of Senjuin, Tekai, Taima, Shikkake, and Hosho are famous.
It has a strong connection with shrines and temples, and its style is simple.
Yamashiro-den
Yamashiro-den was at its peak from the late Heian period to the end of the Kamakura period.
Sanjo, Gojo, Awataguchi, Rai are famous.
The feature is that there are many elegant works.
Bizen-den
Bizen-den has by far the largest number of swordsmiths and swords.
It can be called a sword kingdom.
A number of schools competed in various places, centering on Osafune.
Soshu-den
Soshuden has a unique style with the name of Masamune.
It is known as a lively style.
Mino-den
Mino-den prospered from the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the end of the Muromachi period.
The area called Seki in Mino is still famous as a town of cutlery.
