Traditional Metal Crafting

The History of Katana Swords in Japan A word tracing back to even one of the very first pieces of literature recorded in Japanese history, the Nihon Shoki (720), the katana’s form has transformed throughout time, varying in length and usage before codifying into the iconic curved, single-edge blade seen today. The skilled craftsmanship imbued in each blade not only historically received recognition within the Japanese archipelago, but attracted attention overseas from as early as the 15th century, with documents recording both the export of Japanese-crafted katana to Korea and China, as well as the journeys of Korean swordsmiths arriving to Japan to train beneath the masters and learn their forging techniques. However, modern conceptions of the katana blade are frequently rooted in the Muromachi or Edo period – Japan’s burgeoning age of samurai and bushido culture, most elegantly represented by the shining sword clasped in the warrior’s hands. In this era, a katana equated social status; not only was it a visible sign of rank and wealth, it also wordlessly imparted the samurai’s ability to enforce rule. Despite being wielded by the samurai, every sword was thought to have its own soul, imbued into the blade during the critical moment of hardening, as the hot metal was thrust into water, releasing billows of smoke – and, as believed – fragments of the craftsman's own spirit. Samurai were seen not as owners of the katana, but as mere “custodians,” momentarily preserving the history and soul of the sword before passing it onto the next generation. https://www.deeperjapan.com/katana-meet-the-masters?srsltid=AfmBOorlyENalCmQbdwZpxQY6bK-3t1-EzdHFcifcQSu1powRH9xtacG #katana #kanataswords