Samurai Swords and Rack
The sword was a integral part of samurai
culture. Not only did the sword serve as
a weapon, but also a status symbol. Swords also took on a metaphysical allusion
and were seen as a repository for a samurai's soul.
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Source: Arts of Japan. A Complete Illustrated Guide
H. Batterson Boger (New York; Doubleday, 1964), 118. Three mounted swords
or tachi on a sword rack. From top to bottom: Tachi to be worn at court
ceremonies; signed on the back of the tang or ura "Etchu-no-Kami Fujiwara-no-Masatoshi,
made for Lord Tseunemitu. of Shonu rank and date to 1682. Middle, a tachi
to be worn with armor. Bottom, tachi for court ceremonies dated to the 15th
century. All from the Victoria and Albert Museum.