The development and evolution of the Samurai sword is closely tied to the
different Japanese periods. The following paragraphs provide a condensed
and comprehensive view of Japanese history;
| ANCIENT PERIOD (Before AD 650) |
Swords of this period were primarily made by Chinese and Korean masters.
There aren't very many examples of these swords around today. This
period marks the begining of the Japanese culture under the reign of
emperor Jimmu.
The first capital city of Japan was established during this period. New
laws were introduced and the imperial family established a stronghold.
The need for a better equipped army started creating the need for the
development of better swords.
| HEIAN PERIOD (794 to 1191) |
Kyoto became the capital of Japan and was ruled by the Fujirawa clan.
This era produced some of the best examples of Samurai swords as new
techniques were developed.
| KAMAKURA PERIOD (1192 to 1336) |
Feudal Japan is started. The Shogunate form of government is in place.
The Mongols attempt to invade Japan and are met by Kamatura warriors who
defend the island ferociously. However, their weapons are no match to
the Mongol forces and are beaten. Suddenly, typhoon season starts and
the mongol ships are destroyed stopping the invasion of Japan. The
Kamakura warriors see the need for better swords and begin working on
developing better techniques. Some of the best built swords emerge at
this time.
Emperor Godaigo gathers up forces and manages to overthrow the Shogunate.
| MUROMACHI PERIOD (1337 to 1573) |
The Shogunate returns to power. japan is split in two as civil war
erupts. The conflict lasts for over 100 years and causes a huge supply
of swords to appear.
| AZUCHI-MOMOYAMA PERIOD (1574 to 1602) |
Japan is reunited. The existing large armies are put to use by invading
China and Korea. The art of sword making continues to expand.
| EDO PERIOD (1603 to 1867) |
Modern day Tokyo becomes the capital of Japan. This is a period of
relative peace. Japan's first contact with the west took place during
this period.
MODERN PERIOD (1868 to now)
|
Emperor Meiji regained power and moved the capitol to Tokyo. In 1876 he created a law
prohibiting anyone from wearing a Samurai sword.
| 
