Presentation and knots per occasion

[Ooitame]

Hi all,

 

Was inspecting the saya and shirasaya. As I am hopefully on the path to  purchasing my first home, what are the traditions for occasions e.g. new house, family for dinner for holidays, or whatever etc... What if any presentation rules exist, forgive my ignorance, I only wish to learn. Even if not strictly traditional that's cool what are your thoughts?

[Ooitame]

So no one displays their treasures for occasions?  By display I mean in a case or kake etc..

 

[KungFooey]

3 minutes ago, Ooitame said:

So no one displays there treasures for occasions? 

Sorry Eric but it's a really unusual question.

Obviously, the Japanese have displays in their traditional alcove or tokonoma (床の間) which are changed for each season but swords are usually kept in a storage drawer or safe. If you want to display them in your new home, then it's entirely up to you - but, as far as I'm aware, there are no traditional Japanese rules (which is what I think you're looking for).

 

Dee

[ROKUJURO]

Eric,

in Japan, it is considered bad manners to show what you have. This may be different in a DAIMYO's house. Private citizens rarely invite other people - not even friends - and as Deanna correctly mentions, swords are kept out of sight in KATANA DANSU or drawers.

[Peter Bleed]

Let me boast. One of my proudest moments of my life as a collector was when an acquaintance was visiting. After looking around and visiting a couple of rooms, he said. "I thought you collected Japanese swords."

P

 

[Ooitame]

Thanks @KungFooey, apologizes for the unusual question. Trying to still learn things I know little of, such as presentation rules....

 

@ROKUJURO Interesting, I have places to store them, not drawers though. I have a decent case where the 2 swords reside in bags, and shirasaya, says in another safe area.  If others have an interest or curiosity to see and learn history or just for knowledge sake, is it still bad manners to display; that is to say keep them in the case and sword bags or no?

 

@Peter Bleed Interesting recollection thanks!

[ROKUJURO]

Eric,

of course you handle it as you like. I was just mentioning the Japanese way. If friends come to your place it is certainly acceptable to show a blade at a time for study, I think. But I would personally not lay out a dozen blades for 'display'.

Showing blades follows a ritual of unpacking/unsheathing and carefully and respectfully inspecting a blade, starting with the SUGATA. This creates an intense atmosphere of focusing on the item.   

But as mentioned, there are no fixed rules of how you should proceed in your home!

[Matsunoki]

I have a slightly different view, after all, we are not in Japan and although I respect tradition and humility 

I like to live with my things, to see them when I walk around. It would be sad for me to tuck them away out of sight. I believe their original owners would have kept them visible in kake. 
Obviously be aware of children and pets  and the curiously ignorant.

Just my personal view. 

[Natichu]

This was discussed a bit here:

 

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/49930-a-nihonto-display-case-at-home/#comment-520223

 

I think as a beginner like myself it's easy to lose sight of the fact that there is a lot of diversity of views in the hobby. While in have no doubt @ROKUJURO@ROKUJURO is entirely correct as to the orthodox take on things, katana and tachi kake clearly exist for a reason, and there are Japanese companies doing beautiful work on displays, such as:

 

https://en.katana-case-shi.com/

 

Food for thought at least. Even if you're straying outside the orthodox position, it doesn't mean it's not in keeping with at least some Japanese collectors. 

[Bruce Pennington]

2 hours ago, Matsunoki said:

I like to live with my things, to see them when I walk around.

I'm with Colin.  Mine are at the base of my stairs in a gun cabinet with a class door.  I get to see them every time I go down the stairs.

[chi fan wong]

in general, east asian cultures often dont operate with strict written rules.  the unsaid rules, however, takes on a lot of weight and is mostly what guides the day to day.  this is especially prominent in Japan.  but i think the most optimal rule of thumb to operate under is respect.  respect the culture, respect the objects, respect the knowledge, respect your home, yourself, your guests, etc..  this will lead to different results with different individuals but in the end, they may guide you to your optimal set up with what you have.

[Tohagi]

Hello Éric,

 

Personaly, I choose a no-public room as a private desk in good dry atmosphere conditions  where I can put part of my collection in good Light condition and quiet nice atmosphere.

The only rules I know is tsuka on the left by peace time, on the right on wartime... and no dust.

I also have a safe and change regularly what I wish to see exposed following my mood.

Best regards,

Eric  

[Stephen]

Not that all unusual question, it's been asked before, I don't have a problem with showing mine to each his own.

 

[Stephen]

Missed Colin's post in total agreement. 

@Matsunoki

[Stephen]

On 1/16/2025 at 8:06 PM, KungFooey said:

there are no traditional Japanese rules (which is what I think you're looking for).

Correct no traditional rules but it is considered  respectful to your guest to have the Tsuka to the left

[Tohagi]

@stephen, very nice closet and collection by the way!

[Ooitame]

Thanks all for the input!

 

@Stephen Fantastic case! Always to the left, unless plan B... Lol!

 

@Matsunoki Agree 100%!