tour 3 of 10
Japanese Swords: Cutting Edge
Kotô (old swords)
Kotō
(old swords) describes the swords made in Japan from the beginning
of the Heian period (794-1185) to the end of the Momoyama period
(1573-1600). Kotō blades
are generally slender and more elegantly proportioned than later
swords, often with a deeper curve. During the
kotō era, output was
concentrated in areas where there was a supply of iron ore or in
regions under the control of powerful military clans. Five main
traditions are recognized, centring on Bizen Province (Kyoto),
Yamato Province (Nara and environs), Sōshū (Sagami Province,
present-day Kanagawa Prefecture, around Kamakura), Mino Province
(present-day Gifu Prefecture) and Yamashiro
(Kyoto).
This
wakizashi (companion
sword) blade was made by the swordsmith Osafune Norimitsu in Bizen
Province, home to a particularly strong sword-making tradition. It
was made during the Muromachi period (1392-1573) at a time when
many swords were being produced for the armies who fought in the
continuous civil wars. The blade has a deep curve and an undulating
hamon (crystalline
structure of the blade edge). The mounting is decorated with gold
leaf. Its fine quality indicates that it was commissioned by a
ruling clan for use in court ceremonies.