Check out these articles
-
Video article 24:25The Hilt, Which Determines the Beauty and Functionality of a Japanese Sword, Is Made by a Craftsman Called a Tsukamaki-Shi! Check Out the Video to See the Japanese Craftsman's Techniques!
Traditional Crafts- 83 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:43
The Scabbards That Hold Japanese Swords Are Made by Skilled Japanese Craftsmen! A Look at the Handiwork of Japanese Scabbard Makers, Who Drew Attention at a Traditional Craft Demonstration at Yasukuni Shrine
Traditional Crafts- 66 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:51
Watch the Master Craftsmanship of Japan's Finest Swordsmiths! Introducing a Man Who Has Devoted His Life to Preserving Japan's Ancient Traditions and Treasures
Traditional Crafts- 249 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:41
Dojigiri - The Famous Japanese Sword Recreated With the Combined Technology of Modern Sword Masters! A Project to Recreate the Legendary Sword in Okayama, Japan!
Traditional Crafts- 323 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 19:32
Even Don Konishi Recognizes Kiryu Yokoburi Embroidery! The Skills of the Master Embroiderer, Who Was the First to Receive the Medal With a Yellow Ribbon in Embroidery, Are to Be Passed on to the Youth of a New Age!
Traditional Crafts- 33 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 11:05
Swords Forged by Japanese Craftsmen Are Truly Works of Art! Don't Take Your Eyes off This Artisanship!
Traditional Crafts- 469 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 19:29
A Young Swordsmith Trains Hard Every Day to Make His Dream Come True. What Does the Man Preserving Japanese Traditions Have to Say About His Passion for Swords?
Traditional Crafts- 113 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03
Kumamoto Prefecture's Traditional Craft "Higo Zogan" Is a Work of Art! To Think That Iron Can Be Shaped to Be This Beautiful! Check Out the Renowned Craftsmanship of Japan!
Traditional CraftsCelebrities- 343 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:53
A box that needs to be solved 72 times to open. What is the mechanism of the secret box made of Hakone's traditional marquetry?
Traditional Crafts- 31 plays
- YouTube
Sword Polishing Is a Highly Difficult Type of Craftsmanship for Maintaining Japanese Swords. A Look at the Uncompromising Techniques That Go Into Restoring Japan's Historical Swords
A Look at the Polishing Techniques Used for Japanese Swords
This video, titled "日本刀の研磨 手入れ 本阿弥流 Polishing katana Japanese sword," was released by " JAPAN STUDY 日本研究."
Craftsmen who polish swords for a living are called "togishi" (研師) in Japanese.
Among these craftsmen, the Hon'ami school shown in the video is a professional sword polishing school that has been around since the Nanboku-cho Period (1336-1392 A.D.).
At 12:21 in the video, a stunning view of "Kanamori Masamune," a famous dagger, is introduced.
The History and Techniques of Japanese Sword Polishing
Sword polishing has a long history in Japan and was already being practiced when chokuto (直刀, Japanese straight swords) were still being used.
The Hon'ami family, who served Ashikaga Takauji during the Nanboku-cho Period, later established sword polishing and sword appraisal methods.
When a sharpener receives a request for sword polishing, he first observes the sword for about a week to visualize the precise polishing.
The sword polishing process incorporates a unique technical system.
When polishing a sword, it is polished under the assumption that it will be used to cut down enemies, but it is also important to sharpen it in a way that brings out the beauty of the sword, so that the base metal and the hamon (刃文, blade pattern) can be seen clearly.
The Sword Polishing Techniques in the Video
The person introduced at 1:00 in the video is Koshu Hon'ami, a living national treasure of the Hon'ami family.
He uses whetstones to carefully polish Japanese swords.
There are several types of sword polishers, including Binsuido, Kaiseido, Nagurado, Koma-Nagurado, Uchigumorihado, and Uchigumorijido.
The sword is finely polished after being given a rough polish, and then adjusted through finishing polishes.
A whetstone called "Narutaki" (鳴滝) is used to polish the surface of the blade, and various secret techniques are used when polishing the swords.
There are many different polishes performed when polishing Japanese swords and many of these can be seen in the video.
Sharpening the tip of the sword is called “narume” (ナルメ).
It's important to finish the narume polishing carefully while protecting the blade of the sword.
Summary of Japan’s Sword Polishing Techniques
Today, there are approximately 50 sword polishing professionals in Japan.
There is no set qualification system for sword polishing, but in order to become a swordsmith or a sharpener, one must work under a master or attend a class to acquire advanced skills.
Many people around the world are fascinated by Japan's unique swords.
In order to maintain the brilliance of the swords, the skills of the sword polishers shown in this video are essential.
-
Video article 2:08
Kirikane: A Japanese Technique That Uses Gold Leaf to Draw Patterns on Buddhist Decorations. Check Out the Beautiful Craftsmanship in These Works of Art Created by Highly Skilled Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 523 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:18
Beppu Bamboo Crafts: A Look at the History and Characteristics of the Traditional Japanese Craft From Oita Prefecture. Enjoy the Skilled Techniques of These Bamboo Weaving Artisans!
Traditional Crafts- 454 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:02
Discover Japanese Culture Through Traditional Japanese Knives — The Appeal of MUSASHI JAPAN and How to Choose the Right Blade
Traditional Crafts Traditional Culture Life & Business- 52 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 14:51
Kakejiku - Traditional Japanese Hanging Scroll Art
Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture History- 370 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:58
Edo-Kiriko – Works of Art That Shine Like Jewels. A Closer Look at the Charm of This Traditional Craft of Tokyo, Which Can Cost Millions of Yen or More, and How It's Made!
Traditional Crafts Things to Do- 659 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:04
Chasen: Introducing the Characteristics and History of the Takayama Tea Whisk – A 500-Year-Old Utensil Essential for Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Traditional Crafts History- 399 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 18:53
Edo Moku-Chokoku Wood Carving Is a Traditional Craft of Tokyo. The Sculptures Are Known for Their Intricate Designs and Elegant Beauty. Even Now, Highly-Skilled Craftsmen Continue To Preserve This Important Japanese Culture
Traditional Crafts- 164 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:55
The Beautiful Sound of the Koto: Hear the Entrancing Tones, Born of the Craftsmanship of Master Artisans
Traditional Crafts History- 1.13K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:59
Kokeshi Dolls, With Their Cute Appearance and Expressions, Are Very Popular as Souvenirs and Collectibles Overseas! A Look at Kokeshi Craftsmen and Their Dedication to the Traditional Japanese Craft of Miyagi Prefecture
Traditional Crafts- 412 plays
- Vimeo
-
Video article 9:35
A female dyeing artist from Kyoto, Japan, talks about the fascination of the traditional craft of “Dyeing and Weaving”. How has this thousands-year-old technique been handed down?
Traditional Crafts- 377 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03
Animation of the work process of traditional craft "Iwa Sculpture"! See the works of art and artwork created by craftsmen in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, the town of wood carving!
Traditional Crafts- 641 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:17
Marugame Uchiwa Fans Are Works of Art Whose Craft Has Been Passed Down in Kagawa Prefecture Since the Edo Period. A Look at the History and Production Process of the Amazing Craft, Which Is a Great Souvenir for Visitors to Konpira Shrine
Traditional Crafts Things to Do- 206 plays
- YouTube
Comment