
photo by wbeem
Aratameshi: Testing blades to destruction
In proving the ability or superiority of their blades, smiths and swords owners of the late Tokugawa era (known as the Bakumatsu Period)...
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photo by Ania Mendrek
Medieval alchemy and weapon making
Since many consider medieval alchemy to be the forerunner of modern chemistry and metallurgy, it shouldn’t be surprising that...
Read MoreLectures on the Samurai: In War and Culture
With thanks to the folk at Medievalist.net, here are three lectures on the dichotomy between warfare and esthetic culture in the life of...
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Source See Tatt Yeo
Myths and realities of Yadome – Arrow cutting
Few images in Japanese myth and storytelling are more dramatic than that of a bushi in combat, taking a stand before attacking archers,...
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photo by Christian Bucad
A look at a dark past: forensic analysis of tameshigiri remains
The history of tameshigiri in Japan wavers between the exhibition of skill in cutting straw or bamboo targets, to the proofing of blades...
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