Referred to as the soul of the samurai, the Japanese sword is a wonderful blend of elegance and power, artistry and craft.
A careful examination of swords and their accouterments reveals exquisitely designed works of craftsmanship. The exhibit "Celebrated Swords of the Seikado Collection: Embracing the Spirit of the Samurai," at the Seikado Bunko Art Museum, is an excellent opportunity to take such a look at 30 Japanese swords from the Heian (794-1185) to the Edo (1603-1868) periods. Exhibitions of historic swords in Tokyo are a rarity, and this show — held once every two years — is a "must see" for lovers of memorabilia of the samurai age.
Highly prized since ancient times, swords were believed to be imbued with sacred properties. The earliest histories of Japan provide accounts of the three holy treasures of the ancient Japanese Imperial regalia: a sword, a jewel and a mirror that were handed down directly from the sun goddess, Amaterasu, to Japan's first legitimate ruler. The link between sword smithing and religious worship has been maintained throughout Japanese history.