THE EVOLUTION OF THE JAPANESE SWORD

January 18-May 4, 2025

More than a mere weapon of war, the iconic Samurai sword of Japan and its accompanying fittings were elevated to works of high art that were, and still are, treasured and collected for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Iron swords (chokuto) were crafted in Japan as early as 300 BC, styled after the swords from the Asian mainland. As the swordsmiths of Japan refined their art during the Jokoto, or Ancient Sword Period (300BC-980AD), a blade unique to the island nation began to emerge.

In this exhibition, you will see examples of swords from the Koto (980-1596), Shinto (1596-1781), Shinshinto (1781-1876), and Kindaito (1876-present) periods and follow the evolution of these weapons through time and from smelter to finishing. Sword fittings are also on display and are beautiful and intricate works of art, unique to the Samurai who commissioned them.

Presented in public for the first time is a unique and rare piece made to look like a normal wakizashi (a smaller sword) but which also houses a hidden filet knife for sashimi as well as a grater for wasabi and skewers to hold the fish.

More than a mere weapon of war, the iconic Samurai sword of Japan and its accompanying fittings were elevated to works of high art that were, and still are, treasured and collected for their beauty and craftsmanship.

The Evolution of the Japanese Sword is organized by Jidai Arts.