Japanese Swords. Colin M. Roach
gave birth to the samurai archetype. Although their swords gained importance as tools, they also held symbolic relevance. The sword offered salvation, both practical and spiritual. The ascent of the sword as an iconic symbol was the result of countless sociological influences. Collectively, they shaped the national identity of Japan.
It can be said that the sword defined the samurai and the samurai defined the sword. Although the Japanese sword and warrior both predate the creation of the samurai class, this exchange of influence is undeniable. The intimate relationship between a warrior and his sword effected change in the Japanese culture one person at a time. Every warrior’s relationship with his sword was entirely individual and influenced by many forces. And yet the collective impact of Japanese warriors’ perceptions influenced the larger world around them. It is through examining the intersection of various sources of religious symbolism and the warrior’s need for reconciliation that one can understand the significance of the Japanese sword.
At once both beautiful and functional, Japanese swords surpass all other weapons in terms of historic and symbolic significance.
The hada (grain pattern) seen on this blade is a signature attribute of an authentic Japanese folded-steel blade. See Chapter 1, “Appreciating the Japanese Sword” for more information on Japanese sword characteristics.
Damascus steel is also folded but its layers are fewer and more crude than those of Japanese swords. In addition, the Damascus blade’s edge is not further improved in the quench hardening process.
It is important to note that applying Western paradigms to the explanation of Japanese spiritualism, particularly as it pertains to the warriors, is problematic. Most attempts to define the sword’s symbolism miss the mark by the very virtue that they assert a singular spiritual tradition as being of primary importance. Symbolism interacts with people by inspiring the spirit and stirring introspection. The symbolism of the sword has taken many forms throughout Japanese history. Further, the delivery mechanisms—the mediums through which symbolism entered the warriors’ worldview—have also come in countless forms. For example, practitioners of early native spiritual observances (referred to here as “Shintō” for ease of use) held complex beliefs surrounding the sword. Shamans and tribal leaders transmitted the nativist symbolism orally. Later, however, those beliefs and oral traditions were adapted and codified using written language. The medium of the legends changed and it can be reasonably argued that so too did the perceptions of those legends. Another example is the overblown connection between Zen and martial arts. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Zen had any more influence on the symbolism of the sword than any other philosophy. In fact, it played a much smaller role than several other spiritual traditions. The key to unraveling this enigma lies in understanding the nexus between warriors and their beliefs. A few definitions here may help clarify the objectives of this book.
The term iconography is the derivation of two Greek words: eikon (image) and graphein (to write). Strictly speaking iconography concerns itself with the input of visual media in creating imagery and symbolism. Imagery can be thought of as visual imagery, or in written form, as literary imagery. But either way, iconography concerns itself with visual media and the viewers’ meaningful response to the visual stimulus. Literary imagery offers an interesting gateway to expand the analysis offered here. Although it could be argued that the written word carries more weight than the spoken word, especially in terms of implying permanence and truth, they share a critical commonality—they both interact within the mind and heart of the person perceiving the imagery and related symbolism. In terms of meaning-making, non-visual sources of imagery are as relevant, if not more-so, than many visual forms. Imagery, whether visual, oral, or literary, accumulated in the Japanese ethos in innumerable forms.
It could be argued that by including non-visual sources of imagery, this book technically exceeds the boundaries of iconography. However, strictly speaking, I feel that this type of study falls into the field of iconology. Iconographer Albert C. Moore, in his work Iconography of Religions, explains:
Iconography deals with the form of visual symbols by first describing and then classifying them according to the subject matter; this is a task of analysis. Iconology goes beyond this to interpret the meaning of the symbols and images in relation to the culture where they appear, placing them in the history of tradition; this is a task of synthesis involving the art historian and others in an interdisciplinary enterprise. Of particular importance here is the process of development and change in the “life of images.”1
Imagery is very personal and unique to whoever is experiencing the symbolism. So a study of iconography, on the sociological level, can never hope to be definitive. Nevertheless, accurate and meaningful interpretations of the Japanese sword’s importance can be made through an in-depth analysis of this complex culture.
A richly symbolic sculpture of the sword-wielding Buddhist deity, Fudō-Myō-ō. See pages 87-90 for more information.
Traditional culture is deeply embedded within modern Japan.
It is important to distinguish “facts” from “factors” when making studies such as this. This is not solely a history book consisting of facts. A detailed history of Japan is beyond the scope of this work. So too is a complete offering of religious iconology of general Japanese religions. Offered here are factors that describe the sword in relation to individual warriors, warrior-leaders, and the people who they ruled. For the purpose of comparison and analysis, historical periods have been coupled with eras of religious predominance (Shinto, Taōist, and Buddhist) and subsequent iconographical influence. Connecting historical periods with corresponding eras of religious imagery and evolving metallurgical technology requires somewhat flexible groupings. Nevertheless, these factors have been grouped into chapters to indicate general periods and themes of the sword’s evolution.
Here we will begin examining three primary influences on the Japanese sword. Weaving history, iconography, and technology together, this book illuminates the sword, tracking its progress from infancy to grandeur. By studying the evolution of the icon from this perspective we further understand Japan and its warrior archetype. Cutting away the sword’s mysteries to reveal its meanings enhances our understanding while helping to preserve this important symbol. After all, under threat of globalization, modern exploitation, and shameless profiteering, the sword of Japan needs preservation more than ever.
A traditional iaidō dōjō is a place of somber training and may appear quite plain to those accustomed to martial arts where the emphasis is more on flash, and less on introspection.
Symbolism and the Sword: Lifting the Cultural Veil
Although the Japanese sword rose to become a societal symbol, it was the effort and beliefs of each Japanese—warrior and commoner alike—that defined the sword. Individual beliefs multiplied by the number of individuals became the catalyst in this sociological evolution. It is difficult to gain the perspective of an insider. By virtue of studying another culture from an outsider’s perspective, the sword’s symbolism may be veiled. It is important to recognize this limitation while not allowing it to dissuade us from pursuing valuable study.
One of the most alluring concepts for categorizing experience is dualism. The famous Chinese yin/yang pair (Japanese in/yo) represents this popular concept. We can begin uncovering the symbolism of the sword by examining the sword/warrior duality. The concept of duality offers an answer to the apparent contradiction between the benevolent warrior archetype and the individual warrior’s need