Katana: The Spirit Of Japan

Ancient World to Medieval Times

Week 4 Ð'- Artistic Theme Paper

Katana: The Spirit of Japan

[Author's Name Removed]

[Course Ccode Rremoved]: Introduction to the Humanities

Course Facilitator: [Facilitator's Name Removed]February 14, 2004

Katana: The Spirit of Japan

The Japanese sword has evolved alongside with the people of Japan for over a thousand years and has been a striking symbol of the spirit and history of old Japan. History has shown that the nature of the Japanese sword is a reflection of Japan's people, culture, attitudes and tradition. Modern day pop-culture is now focused on Japan's rich history and the craftsmanship of the tireless artisans of old.

The sword has gone through centuries of change and development; unfortunately due to dramatic changes in power during the late Nineteenth Century, much of the ancient traditions have been lost. The fading of the ancient sword making traditions is a symbolic end to the way of the samurai and the beginning of the stifling western influence. The samurai class began a slow decline during the 1800s; one of the defining moments in Japan's history that signified the end of the samurai reign was in 1867 when Emperor Meiji abolished the samurai class (Transition from Edo period to Meiji period) and banned the possession of swords in urban areas. These events caused extreme civil unrest, seppuku (ritualized suicide or hara-kiri), at the time newly banned, became extremely common. During these times, Japan became extremely susceptible to suggestion; European and American forces were permitted entry onto Japanese soil and thus began the westernization and subsequent modernization of Japan.

The lifetimes of hundreds of thousands of men and women have been dedicated to the study, art and meticulous craftsmanship of the sword. During feudal times (Which consists of most of ancient and pre-modern Japanese history), the Samurai warrior was amongst the highest class along with, aristocrats and royalty. A sword smith who had mastered his trade could attain esteemed notoriety for the quality and functionality of his masterpiece. Sword making was typically a hereditary tradition; master sword smiths would often take on their sons as apprentices and the trade would be passed down through the ages. Trade secrets and unique styles were passed down from generation to generation. Many authorities believe that the workmanship and quality of the Japanese sword far surpasses that of any other would be match during any time period anywhere in the World.

All Japanese swords and edged weapons were originally manufactured using variations of an elaborate process of repeatedly heating, folding and hammering metal. The process was originally adopted to homogenize the carbon content of impure metals; by repeated folding and hammering, the metal would become consistent all-throughout. This specially adapted process accounted for the unique folding patterns characteristic of ancient Japanese blades. One of the most common misconceptions of this process is that the repeated folding was performed to laminate the blade and make it stronger when in fact, the strength and resilience of the blade was ultimately due to a wholly different aspect of the craft. Japanese edged weapons were able to maintain