Check out these articles
-
Video article 24:25
The 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- 75 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- 62 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- 224 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- 300 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- 29 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- 463 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- 111 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- 284 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- 30 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 6:36
A Look Inside the World of an Embroiderer Who Revives Memories With His Craftsmanship. A Traditional Japanese Craft Where the Craftsman's Heart and Soul Goes Into Every Single Stitch!
Traditional Crafts- 182 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:12
Koshu Inden - A Beautiful Craft Using Lacquered Deer Leather. Discover Japanese Culture and Craftsmanship With These Amazing Artisans in Kofu, Yamanashi!
Traditional Crafts History- 237 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:47
Meet the Craftsman That Has Been Crafting Intricate Bunraku Puppet Heads for 40 Years! This Interview With an Awa Deko Ningyo Puppet Maker Will Make You Fall in Love With Ningyo Joruri!
Traditional Crafts- 386 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:44
The Secrets of "Fusuma," a Traditional Craft Indispensable to Japanese Homes! Don’t Miss the Beauty of the Traditional Artwork That Uses Gold and Silver Dust!
Traditional Crafts- 278 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:42
Echizen Lacquerware is a work of art that adds color to the dining table! A video showing the production process and products of this high-quality traditional craft that has been handed down for over 1,400 years in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture.
Traditional Crafts History- 214 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- 130 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- 588 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:26
The “Iga braid” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, has been the talk of the town since the popular animated film Iga Kumihimo” in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, which became the talk of the town after the popular animated film ”Kimi no na wa. The intricately hand-woven designs are truly works of art! The valuable work process is also introduced in the video.
Traditional Crafts- 476 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 9:47
These Beautiful Lacquered Vessels Are Works of Art That Enhance the Flavors of Japanese Cuisine. One Woman Shares Her Thoughts on the Traditional Japanese Craft After 30 Years of Fascination
Traditional Crafts- 95 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- 906 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:09
The Japanese Fishing Rod Is a Delicate and Supple, Yet Strong Work of Art. A Look at "Sao Shosaku," a Company in Kawaguchi, Saitama That Continues to Make High-Quality, Traditional Japanese Fishing Rods
Traditional Crafts- 380 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 35:41
Mino handmade Japanese paper" made in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, is a traditional craft with a soft touch and transparent beauty! Don't miss the valuable video of the production process where you can see the craftsmen's handiwork!
Traditional Crafts- 141 plays
- YouTube
Comment