Abstract:This website is designed to explore the material expression of Japanese swordsmithing. A brief history of Japan and the mystical yet powerful Samurai will lay the foundation for why Japanese swords are so revered around the world. The history will also include the lineage of the most famous swordsmiths and the process of becoming a swordsmith throughout time. Next the website will go through the process of making a sword and how a sword is judged for quality. The last section of the website explores the spiritual elements of Japanese swordsmithing along with its reflection of region and culture that is represented in and on the sword and its ornaments. The website's aim is to provide an overview of Japanese swordsmithing as a material expression of Japanese folklore.

Swords in Japan:
A Reflection of Japanese Culture
and Its History

Abstract:This website is designed to explore the material expression of Japanese swordsmithing. A brief history of Japan and the mystical yet powerful Samurai will lay the foundation for why Japanese swords are so revered around the world. The history will also include the lineage of the most famous swordsmiths and the process of becoming a swordsmith throughout time. Next the website will go through the process of making a sword and how a sword is judged for quality. The last section of the website explores the spiritual elements of Japanese swordsmithing along with its reflection of region and culture that is represented in and on the sword and its ornaments. The website's aim is to provide an overview of Japanese swordsmithing as a material expression of Japanese folklore.

The Legend of Masamune and Muramasa

Regarded as two of the most famous swordsmiths, Masamune and Muramasa are the subjects of a famous Japanese folktale. Legend has it that Muramasa, depicted as the student of Masamune, challenges his master to craft a better sword. After working tirelessly they put their swords to the test by placing them in a small stream with the blades facing the current. Muramasa's sword cut all the leaves, fish, and twigs that passed by. Impressed by his pupil's work, Masamune lowered his sword into the stream. Named "tender hands" Masamune's sword didn't cut anything, as fish swam up to it peacefully and debris made its way around the sword. As Masamune lifted his sword from the stream, dried it and sheathed it, Muramasa mocked his master for his sword didn't cut a thing. However, a monk who witnessed the event walked over and replied:

"The first of the swords was by all accounts a fine sword, however it is a blood-thirsty, evil blade, as it does not discriminate as to who or what it will cut. It may just as well be cutting down butterflies as severing heads. The second was by far the finer of the two, as it does not needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving" (Ellen, O'Connor, Tian 2015).