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Insights into Japanese sword knowledge and culture
Common day-to-day issues — saya rattle, loose mekugi, stuck koiguchi, loose tsuka — explained with practical guidance on what you can handle yourself and when to consult a togishi or sayashi.
An overview of contemporary art, installations, fashion, and media art inspired by Japanese swords — exploring the aesthetic and philosophical inspiration samurai culture offers 21st-century creators.
Later-added signatures, tang forgeries, faked hamon, and confusion between modern and antique blades — explaining real-world forgery tactics encountered in authentication and the observation points for spotting them.
Tsukamaki—the wrapping of a sword's handle—combines function and beauty in traditional Japanese craft. This guide covers thread materials, wrapping styles, and practical maintenance tips.
Examine how Japanese swords evolved from straight blades to the curved tachi during the Heian period (794–1185), driven by the development of mounted warfare and the emergence of the samurai class.
Learn how to display and photograph Japanese swords to maximize their visual impact. This guide covers lighting techniques, stand selection, and camera settings for capturing stunning hamon shots.
The Nanbokucho period (1336–1392) was one of the most dramatic eras of transformation in Japanese sword history. This article explains how changing battle tactics gave rise to the enormous o-tachi and noto-tachi.
Fuchi-kashira are among the most closely examined fitting pairs in Japanese sword mounts. This guide explores the unity of style and theme that makes a matched set beautiful, and when intentional mismatch is an aesthetic choice.
The wako pirates who dominated the East Asian coastlines from the 14th to 16th centuries played a major role in spreading the Japanese sword abroad. This article explores the true nature of the wako and their cultural and technical influence on China and Korea.
A comprehensive guide to legally purchasing Japanese swords within Japan, covering registration certificates, finding reputable dealers, and navigating sword fairs, antique markets, and auction houses.
During the Edo period, Japanese domains protected and cultivated master swordsmiths as retained craftsmen. This article examines the relationship between domain government and sword making, notable examples, and the eventual decline after the abolition of domains.
Explore how a sword's center of gravity and blade balance affect movement in iaido and battojutsu. This guide covers grip fundamentals, reducing strain on wrists and shoulders, and how to evaluate a sword's balance before purchase.