Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum

Want to catch our sword the Sanchomo, one of only 111 National Treasure swords in Japan? You'll have to visit us by May 6th!📷📷📷 #japan #art #katana #nationaltreasure #sanchomo #history #samurai #sword #museum

Based on the characteristic hamon pattern, this sword was almost certainly made by Muramasa or, more accurately, 'a' Muramasa. Despite what fiction might have you believe, Muramasa was not just one swordsmith, but a name passed down over generations! #katana #muramasa #japan #art

Ōno Yoshimitsu is one of the most respected modern swordsmiths in Japan. He has devoted his life to rediscovering the secrets behind the creation of the National Treasure sword Sanchōmō. His replicas are truly stunning examples of sword artistry. #katana #art #museum #japan

Though now only understood as the art of folding paper into designs, 'origami' were originally official folded paper documents, including appraisal certificates for swords! This one is from the 1600s, by the official appraiser to the shogun 😶 #japan #history #katana #origami

The most prolific sword-making tradition in Japan, the Osafune School, was founded in the late 13th century by Mitsutada. The skill of him and his brother, Kagehide, maker of this sword, was foundational for its centuries of success! #history #japan #katana #sword #art #museum

Ever wondered about the connection between Japan's historical sword-smiths and its modern knife industry? We were delighted to be able to contribute to this article that goes into this fascinating story! history.com/articles/katan… #history #japan #art #katana #museum #sword #samurai

We are the only Japanese sword museum to have craftsmen working on-site every day. Coming to 📷? Pop by and see them work! #museum #japan #art #katana #sword #craft #travel #tradition

Until recently the art of Japanese swords was at risk, with very few people showing interest... However, thanks to the game Tōken Ranbu, an influx of new sword fans have helped bring new hope to this once fading art🙌 Our Tōken Ranbu collab finishes on Sunday! #katana #art #japan

Samurai carried small utility items in their sword scabbards. Kozuka are small multi-purpose knives, while kōgai, depending on the type, can be used to arrange one's hair, clean one's ears, or even as chopsticks! The Sanchōmō's scabbard contains just two such tools😮 #japan #art

In Japan? Come to the museum between today and 3/29 to catch our limited exhibition of our most famous blade, the national treasure 'Sanchōmō'. This will be the last chance to see its original scabbard on display until at least 2028 - catch it while you can ✨ #japan #art #katana

The grain pattern on most Japanese swords is very fine and understated. However, some swordsmiths did something almost like pattern-welding, combining different steels to create grain with vivid contrast, like this blade by Osafune smith Tsunehiro! #japan #art #katana #museum

The steel crystals that make up the temper line of Japanese swords can create a whole world of different artistic effects. On this Sue Mihara blade from what is now Hiroshima Prefecture, they form what resembles a second parallel hamon, known as 'nijuba'. #japan #art #katana

Swords by some smiths exhibit a stunning effect called 'ji nie', dark spots in the steel caused by the formation of course steel crystals in the area above the temper line. This sword by Motohira, from what is now Kagoshima, is a very vivid example! #art #katana #museum #japan

Some 'hamon' temper line patterns can be very subjective, appearing as one design to some people and another to others. Not so for the distinctive 'kobushigata' fist-shaped pattern, invented by the maker of this blade, Kunisuke ✊ #japan #art #katana #museum #sword

Japanese swords are often placed into one of five 'traditions', or 'Gokaden', but these distinctive stylistic categories were not formal at the time the swords were made. Instead, it was created ~100 years ago by the Hon'ami family as an appraisal shorthand! #art #katana #japan

You might find Japanese swords with a unique shape, lacking a defined tip and with a more 'diamond' cross-section. Often, this is because they originally weren't swords at all! Made as 'naginata' glaives, they were shortened for use as short swords. #japan #katana #art #museum

Swordsmanship in Japan changed over the centuries. At times people wielded their swords one-handed, while in other periods, a two-handed grip was preferred. The blades themselves reflect this, with ones from the late Muromachi especially having short tangs! #japan #art #katana

In Japan 'naginata' polearms are associated with warrior monks and women, with the two most common types even being named after women! The 'Shizukagata' is named for 'Shizuka Gozen', and the iconic 'Tomoegata', like this, for legendary female warrior 'Tomoe Gozen'! #japan #art

Visiting between now and May 6th? Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite sword in the exhibition! Kanemitsu is out in front, but there's still time to get yours over the line 🗳🥇 #museum #katana #japan #art #history #sword #vote

Running 2/10 - 5/6, our spring exhibition, 'A Fascination of Swords: Selected Blades from the Museum Collections' is a deep dive into our most intriguing, beautiful works, & for a limited time, our National Treasure Sanchomo (3/20-29 & 4/25-5/6) 🏔🐦 #katana #kokuho #art #museum