Japanese samurai sword dealers.

[Matt Weber]

Peter,

Thanks Peter for the information. Please forgive my lack of knowledge, but I thought that the Shin-shinto era was a part of the Meiji period?
I read somewhere that the Shin-shinto period covers the 19th century to early 20th century. So that would cover the 1800s to early 1900s (about WWI time period, correct?) Basically, I'm interested in the late 1800s-1945 era.
If this information is incorrect, then please correct me, and let me know exactly when each time period covers?

Also, Peter, can you tell me where would be a good place to get some of those books from? and what can I expect to pay for these books

As for my tour in Japan, I was there from 1993-1996. The Samurai I saw were middle age. There still are a few who still practice the arts of thier ancestors over there. In fact, my Japanese girlfriend at the time was a direct decendant of Samauri (Name was Monguchi). The Samauri I saw were not swordsmen though, they were archers. They had demonstrations of cloud shooting, as well as horseback shooting. The cloud shooting, they were shooting bows that were over 6 feet tall, at targets about 200 yards away, and yes they were hitting them! (the targets were about 6 feet in diameter). The horseback shooting they would ride a horse at full gallop down a line (kind of remided me of English Knights in a joust match), towards the center there was a wooden target about 5 or 6 feet from the line. They would shoot the target while still riding, and the target would literally snap in half! I was quite
impressed!

Matt

PS- I just ordered the books, "The Japanese Sword", by Kanzan Sato, and also "The Samauri Sword" by John Yumoto.

[Peter_Suciu]

Thanks Peter for the information. Please forgive my lack of knowledge, but I thought that the Shin-shinto era was a part of the Meiji period?

No problem. The periods can be confusing so that's why I was surprised when you said you had a sword from the 17th century! Shin-Shinto isn't so much a era either but rather a sword type from a particular era. Where it really gets confusing is that Westerners refer to Edo Era swords, which could include Shin-Shinto but traditionally when you say Shin-Shinto you mean earlier (from the dealers I've met anyway).


The Japanese Historical Eras ( Jidai or Nenki ):

Nara Era ( 708- 781 )
Heian Era ( 782 - 1182 )
Kamakura Era ( 1182 - 1333 )
Nanbokucho Era ( 1334 - 1389 )
Muromachi Era ( 1390 -1572 )
Azuchi-Momoyama Era ( 1573 - 1623 )
Edo Era ( 1624 - 1867 )
Meiji Era ( 1868 - 1912 )
Taishou Era ( 1912 - 1926 )
Showa Era ( 1926 - 1989 )
Heisei Era ( 1989 to present )

Sword types by the Era or Year:
Koto ( Old swords produced prior to 1596 )
Shinto ( New swords produced from 1596 to 1674 )
Shin-shinto ( New-new swords produced from 1765 - 1867 )
Gendaito ( Modern-day swords produced from 1868 to present )

Also, Peter, can you tell me where would be a good place to get some of those books from? and what can I expect to pay for these books

Amazon.com is as good a place as any. Also try some of the sword dealers. If you're getting Sato's book that is about the best one to read anyway. Bashford Dean had a book on the subject but it is long out of print.

As for my tour in Japan, I was there from 1993-1996. The Samurai I saw were middle age. There still are a few who still practice the arts of thier ancestors over there. In fact, my Japanese girlfriend at the time was a direct decendant of Samauri (Name was Monguchi). The Samauri I saw were not swordsmen though, they were archers. They had demonstrations of cloud shooting, as well as horseback shooting. The cloud shooting, they were shooting bows that were over 6 feet tall, at targets about 200 yards away, and yes they were hitting them! (the targets were about 6 feet in diameter). The horseback shooting they would ride a horse at full gallop down a line (kind of remided me of English Knights in a joust match), towards the center there was a wooden target about 5 or 6 feet from the line. They would shoot the target while still riding, and the target would literally snap in half! I was quite
impressed!

OK, I understand. I do know the type of "performers" you are talking about. These are not technically real Samurai but sort of a living history type organization that keeps the past alive. Very interesting stuff however.

Just one last point...no sword made after the Edo period is actually a "samurai" sword. The military swords are Shin-Gunto, or new model sword.

[Mark S.]

Fascinating reading, Peter!

A curious question while on topic-whats the cultural difference between the stands that hold the sword upright, and the ones that hold it horizontal?

[Matt Weber]

Peter,

Thanks a ton for the information!! I sent you a PM with some more questions! Hope you don't mind me picking your brain?!

Matt

[Peter_Suciu]

A curious question while on topic-whats the cultural difference between the stands that hold the sword upright, and the ones that hold it horizontal?

That's one I'm not sure about...maybe someone else knows. I've seen both in Japan as well as in the US. I'm guessing that a single blade stands upright, while a family of swords uses the horizontal stand. One note about sword etiquette is that when you sit down with your sword you NEVER face the point or blade toward your guests and/or hosts.