The sacred bond between warrior and sword only ended in death.

The katana was often referred to as the warrior’s soul, holding names bestowed upon them by their wielder, and were believed to directly influence the outcome of a battle.

This is unique for the practice was generally restricted to tsuka (grip) adornment. This particular sword, forged by Saneyuki in the seventeenth century, has its saya (scabbard) elaborately decorated with shark skin that has been lacquered and sanded to produce a spotted pattern. The katana was often ornately decorated to reflect the prowess of its owner. Made from elemental earth and given life through fire and water, they were often believed to possess power and spirits of their own. Described as ‘the living soul of the samurai’, the Japanese sword has been venerated for its lethal beauty over the centuries. The history of the Japanese sword, spanning some 1,500 years, is one of a warrior’s virtue, valour, and strength. Katana (Samurai Sword), Swordsmith: Saneyuki of Takeda,

The way of the sword