江戸幕府の刀剣法制
Edo Shogunate Sword Legislation
The Edo shogunate established a comprehensive system of sword legislation from its earliest years, institutionalizing the samurai's exclusive right to wear swords while formally disarming farmers and townspeople through successive edicts and the codification of status-based sword-carrying rules.
Description
The Edo shogunate systematically regulated sword ownership from its foundation, building on Hideyoshi's sword-hunt edicts to create a comprehensive status-based sword-carrying system. The daisho (long and short sword pair) became the mandatory identity marker of samurai status, while farmers and townspeople were formally disarmed. The Hon'ami family served as the shogunate-sanctioned appraisers, their ori-gami certificates functioning as market-standard quality guarantees. Special 'myōji taitō' (surname and sword-wearing) privileges were granted as honors to commoners of distinction. Shogun Yoshimune's Kyōhō reforms encouraged martial culture and sword quality as part of broader efforts to reinvigorate samurai ethos.
Caracteristiques de cette epoque
- Mandatory daisho (paired swords) as the visible marker of samurai status
- Myōji taitō privileges extending sword-carrying rights as honor awards to commoners
- Hon'ami family ori-gami as shogunate-sanctioned quality certificates for the sword market
- Domain-retained-smith (kakae-kō) system controlling sword production and supply
- Kyōhō reforms promoting martial arts and sword quality as samurai revitalization policy