Jump to content

Sword Etiquette

BIG

By BIG
in General Nihonto Related Discussion

 Share

Recommended Posts

george trotter Grand Master

george trotter

Posted
Posted

I was unaware of this etiquette, or rather I can't recall seeing swords resting with the hilt on the right.

I looked up a book on the Gassan (Mus. of Fine Arts Boston 1989 pp.20-21) and it contains two pictures of what I suppose would be classed as "daimyo swords" but these are resting hilt left.

One is a tachi with tachi mounts by Gassan Sadakazu made in 1916 for Emperor Taisho and the next is a straight blade sword in mounts dated 1921 presented to Crown Prince Hirohito by Sadakatsu.

I suppose these would be classed as "daimyo" swords yet both of these are resting hilt left.

Anyone have any info on this matter?

Regards,

sanjuro Veteran

sanjuro

Posted
Posted

My understanding, given that most of this etiquette comes from the Edo period, is that the positioning of the sword on the katana kake is a reflection of the owners readiness for conflict, or as an indication of his feelings toward a guest. Ergo, if one feels threatened by a guest or a visitor one would position the sword such that it was not only easily reached but also easily drawn, ie with the hilt to the right. Likewise in times of war when battle readiness was an issue then the sword would be displayed in such a way as to make it easily available, ie hilt to the right. Etiquette in the Edo period complicated this to be possibly a threatening way to display a sword when times were supposed to be peaceful. If your guest was a friend or family then the hilt would be toward the left to reflect this trusting sentiment. (In practice, it is actually easy to grab and draw a sword in either position).The custom of displaying the sword hilt strictly to the left comes from this period when etiquette became sometimes most complex, and offense could be easily implied. Japanese manners among armed samurai had of necessity to be impeccable lest offence be unintentionally conveyed.

In older times, the sword was displayed according to the owners taste and could be interpreted as his state of mind as to trust in his surroundings and company.

I have also heard it observed that a sword displayed hilt to left is considered to be a 'retired' sword, which most of ours would qualify as.

In many dojo's where a sword or swords are displayed they are rested hilt to right in keeping with a combative nature, or to the left to reflect a studious purpose. In the dojo where I trained if the swords there were displayed hilt to left we were merely training. If it were hilt to right, we were in for a sparring or kata session. It took a while for the newer students to become observant to this. In effect it was a test of observation. (All things may be utilised to aid in teaching).

 

Just my take on the question.

Guido Grand Master

Guido

Posted
Posted

Whenever I invite hostile guests, I put a shotgun on the tv stand behind me. They immediately catch the drift.

My understanding, given that most of this etiquette comes from the Edo period, is that the positioning of the sword on the katana kake is a reflection of the owners readiness for conflict, or as an indication of his feelings toward a guest.
The first (and only) time I read this was in the Warner/Draeger book. Does anyone have other sources, preferably Japanese?
Drago Proficient

Drago

Posted
Posted

Interesting.

 

So... What is a daimyo sword? If it is just one that once belonged to a damiyo('s family), then probably half the swords out there are displayed the wrong way around...

Guido Grand Master

Guido

Posted
Posted

Btw, a daimyō had a tachimochi sitting to his left, slightly behind him, when receiving guests. This was a page who held a sword upright in his right hand, gripping it towads the sayajiri, so he could hold it towards his master if needed, who then could draw it. This is still custom during the yokozuna entrance ritual at sumō tournaments.

post-13-1419694967832_thumb.jpg

sanjuro Veteran

sanjuro

Posted
Posted
The first (and only) time I read this was in the Warner/Draeger book.

 

To be honest, I think that is probably where I read of it. Curiously, although I was taught sword etiquette, the subject of which was the correct way of displaying a sword, other than on a katana kake or tachi kake, was either not discussed or was taken pretty much for granted. The part about the dojo way of displaying them was true enough but may have been my sensei's custom rather than established and general practice.

I dont think i have ever read an explanation of this aspect of sword etiquette by a Japanese source.

 

Dr Takeuchi perhaps??? although not among those articles of his to which I have access. Guido is more familiar with Dr takeuchi's full body of work than I am.

Brian

Brian

Posted
Posted

I just checked all my pics of the DTI, and every single dealer in the pics has all their racked swords with the tsuka to the left. Hundreds of them.

Since most people are right handed, it can only be to show it being "at rest" or non-agressive.

Unless they all read the same book and browse Google? :badgrin:

 

Brian

Baka Gaijin Grand Master

Baka Gaijin

Posted
Posted

In plan view:

 

Are we looking at the Daimyo or is the Daimyo looking at us......... :)

 

Is the Kake in front of the Daimyo as he faces his subjects?

 

If so, front will appear back and left facing will appear right facing according to one's position.

 

Think about it......... :)

Gakusee Veteran

Gakusee

Posted
Posted

Dear all,

 

We are glad you find the To-Ken Society of UK archives useful. This was the main purpose why earlier this year we decided to publish our archives on the web for nihontophiles' benefit. They contain a wealth of information and research collated by some of the most knowledgeable UK collectors and experts over the last fifty years.

 

We are in the process of extending the archive with some more of the old programmes, and in combination with the UK sword register (Clive's oeuvre), they present a valuable source of study.

 

Best,

Michael

Jussi Ekholm Veteran

Jussi Ekholm

Posted
Posted

Even though it may sound stupid but I have always just assumed that swords are aligned hilt to the left as they will be displayed omote side showing. Katana koshirae edge upwards, tachi koshirae edge downwards in horizontal stand. :)

Eric H Mentor

Eric H

Posted
Posted

A historic testimony of the correct placement of Daimyo‘s swords, the rack placed at the right side of the Daimyo: Wakizashi on the top, Katana on the bottom, cutting edges downwards, thus showing the omote side of the swords. This makes sense.

Of course owners of swords of Daimyo possession have free choice the one or the other way :)

Thanks for sharing

 

Eric

Eric H Mentor

Eric H

Posted
Posted

The discussion started based on Torigoye sensei‘s statement, that Daimyo swords - swords of former Daimyo property - should be placed properly on the sword rack the tsuka towards the right, which is believed to be wrong, but often practised by lesser informed people. There is a example in the thread „Hanging Japanese scroll above nihonto display“. On the old paintings the swords are represented with cutting edges downwards and upwards, but the tsuka towards the right. We don‘t know if these historical illustrations represent the reality or if they are the outcome of free artistic design. Anyway I for one have learned the lesson given by Torigoye sensei.

As said in the article it is the explanation of photographs which are sometimes seen in Japanese sword literature of swords resting on a rack in the described manner, in what one would normally suppose was the wrong way round.

 

Eric

post-369-14196950269113_thumb.png

Eric H Mentor

Eric H

Posted
Posted

Henk-Jan,

Please read Torigoye‘s comment concerning the placement of „Daimyo swords“ on a rack. Because I‘m unaware of a special category of „Daimyo sword“ whether in sword literature nor sword glossary, so I suppose this label is suitable to swords out of Daimyo property. Contrarily to the comment of a member: ..."than probably half the swords out there are displayed the wrong way around“...I believe that counting the MMB members of total 3057 today, perhaps a handful of them are proud possessors of Daimyo swords. Well such categorized swords can be displayed by well-informed collectors in the recommended manner, giving this way a hint to another well-informed collector what kind of swords are displayed.

Recently a picture of the Ichimonji Imaaranami Tachi was posted on the board. This is kind of „Daimyo sword“ in my understanding.

 

Eric

post-369-14196950709803_thumb.png

  • 1 month later...
bubba-san Collaborator

bubba-san

Posted
Posted
My understanding, given that most of this etiquette comes from the Edo period, is that the positioning of the sword on the katana kake is a reflection of the owners readiness for conflict, or as an indication of his feelings toward a guest. Ergo, if one feels threatened by a guest or a visitor one would position the sword such that it was not only easily reached but also easily drawn, ie with the hilt to the right. Likewise in times of war when battle readiness was an issue then the sword would be displayed in such a way as to make it easily available, ie hilt to the right. Etiquette in the Edo period complicated this to be possibly a threatening way to display a sword when times were supposed to be peaceful. If your guest was a friend or family then the hilt would be toward the left to reflect this trusting sentiment. (In practice, it is actually easy to grab and draw a sword in either position).The custom of displaying the sword hilt strictly to the left comes from this period when etiquette became sometimes most complex, and offense could be easily implied. Japanese manners among armed samurai had of necessity to be impeccable lest offence be unintentionally conveyed.

In older times, the sword was displayed according to the owners taste and could be interpreted as his state of mind as to trust in his surroundings and company.

I have also heard it observed that a sword displayed hilt to left is considered to be a 'retired' sword, which most of ours would qualify as.

In many dojo's where a sword or swords are displayed they are rested hilt to right in keeping with a combative nature, or to the left to reflect a studious purpose. In the dojo where I trained if the swords there were displayed hilt to left we were merely training. If it were hilt to right, we were in for a sparring or kata session. It took a while for the newer students to become observant to this. In effect it was a test of observation. (All things may be utilised to aid in teaching)

 

I have always heard that ! Tsuka facing right = not friend Tsuka facing left = friend...... Old shop owner In Yokosuka told me that !James

 

Just my take on the question.

DanC Enthusiast

DanC

Posted
Posted

I would like to add a comment, that when looking at old photos, particularly online, everyone should be aware that the image can possibly be mirrored. I have noticed this now and then when looking at old photos of places I am familiar with, where I know the image is mirrored. Obviously there is no single reason for every case, but a common cause is when scanning slides, or negatives, and feeding them backwards.

 

Just something to keep in mind.

  • 1 month later...
CurtisR Experienced

CurtisR

Posted
Posted

Also, as a point to note while in a Dojo (or perhaps a home with one), if the sword kissaki is pointing toward the Shomen, it's very rude. Had my behind ripped about this while training in MJER.

 

Curtis R.

This thread is quite old. Please consider starting a new thread rather than reviving this one, unless your post is really relevant and adds to the topic..

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...