From Nov. 30 to Dec. 5, the Main Building Art Gallery of the Nihombashi Takashimaya Shopping Center will host the “Kirameku” (“Sparkle”) sword exhibition of the newest creations by Kozaemon-Yukihira Miyairi, a master swordsmith and chairman of the All Japan Swordsmith Association.
Born in 1957 as the second son of the Living National Treasure Yukihira Miyairi, he cemented his reputation in 1993, when he won the Takamatsunomiya-sho prize, the highest prize endorsed by the imperial family, at the Shinsaku Meito Ten sword exhibition. By 2000, he’d won the prize six times. He had taken the names Kozaemon-Yukihira in 1996, honoring his great-grandfather and father, respectively. The master craftsman’s works, which guests will be able to enjoy at the upcoming exhibition, similarly draw from the past. Miyairi’s blades are often characterized by their elegant, wavelike tempering lines in the Soshu style made famous by Masamune, a legendary swordsmith from the Kamakura Period (1185 to 1333).
Also on display will be the works of Miyairi’s apprentices, including Akihira Kawasaki, Ippei Kawachi, Hidehira Nezu, Teruhira Kamiyama and, for the first time, his son Yo Miyairi.
Fans of Japanese swords should also stop by Meiji Shrine, which is currently holding an exhibition of works by contemporary swordsmiths. Held at the Treasure Museum through Nov. 20, the exhibit is commemorating the 110th anniversary of the death of Emperor Meiji, an art lover who designated many talented swordsmiths as imperial household artists. Visitors to the exhibition can better understand that Japanese swords are more than just blades. Their beauty also comes from the scabbards, metal fittings, lacquer, binding handle cords and more details carefully created by master artisans, that go into the creation of each sword.
More information can be found via Quick Response code. For inquiries, contact Japan Sword Co. at 03-3434-4321 or http://www.japansword.co.jp/ .
