Naginata
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The naginata is a polearm and one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, as well as by ashigaru and sōhei. The
A naginata blade forged by Osafune Katsumitsu. Muromachi period, 1503, Tokyo National Museum
Mounting for naginata, Edo period
Tomoe Gozen, an "onna-musha", wields a naginata on horseback.
A Meiji-era depiction of a sōhei (warrior monk) with a naginata
Katana
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A katana is a Japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. Developed later than the tachi, it was used by samur
A katana modified from a tachi forged by Motoshige. Bizen Osafune school influenced by the Sōshū school. 14th century, Nanboku-chō period. Important Cultural Property. Tokyo National Museum
Mei (signature) and Nakago (tang) of an Edo period katana
A Sōshū school katana modified from a tachi forged by Masamune. As it was owned by Ishida Mitsunari, it was commonly called Ishida Masamune. Important Cultural Property. Tokyo National Museum
A Sōshū school katana modified from a tachi, Kiriha Sadamune, forged by Sadamune, son of Masamune. 14th century, Kamakura period. Important Cultural Property. Tokyo National Museum