Swordsmith Collection

Sword cutters are busy making officers ceremonial swords or refurbishing old ones in preparation for the Coronation. The Wilkinson Sword Co which still carries on this work has orders for over 2000

The Swordsmith Munechika and the God of Inari, Japan, 1805. Creator: Hokusai
The Swordsmith Munechika and the God of Inari, Japan, 1805

Dyeing and swordmaking (chromolitho)
3105745 Dyeing and swordmaking (chromolitho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dyeing and swordmaking)

The Swordsmith, 1802. Creator: Hokusai
The Swordsmith, 1802

A fantasy swordsmith, dressed in a costume made up of the products he makes. Date: circa 1700

Sword maker, 16th century (1849). Artist: Jost Amman
Sword maker, 16th century (1849). A 19th century version based on an original 16th century wood engraving. From Le Moyen Age et la Renaissance, by Paul Lacroix, Ferdinand Sere and A Rivaud

Sword maker, c1559-1591. Artist: Jost Amman
Sword maker, c1559-1591. A craftsman at his workbench holds an item in a vice while he works on it with a file. Around him are daggers and swords he has made

Tachi-shi ÞüÀõ║║õ©ëÕìüÕà¡þò¬ Swordsmith Edo period
Artokoloro

AMMAN: CUTLER, 1568. The Cutler makes knives with handles of ivory, boxwood, sandalwood and other woods. He also makes spears, daggers, swords, scabbards, etches and cleans swords

SWORDSMITHS, 14th CENTURY. Swordsmiths sharpening a sword. Detail of an illumination by Jehan de Grise in the Romance of Alexander, c1340

SWORDSMITHS, 14th CENTURY. Swordsmiths grinding a huge sword on a stone. Detail of an illumination by Jehan de Grise in the Romance of Alexander, c1340

SWORDSMITHS, 14th CENTURY. Swordsmiths burnishing a large sword. Detail of an illumination by Jehan de Grise in the Romance of Alexander, c1340

The Emperor Go-Toba Forging a Sword, c1840. Go-Toba, c1221, in exile on island of Oki studied swords and swordmaking. Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) Japanese Ukiyo-e artist

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In the ancient art of swordsmithing, skilled craftsmen dedicate their days to creating magnificent ceremonial swords for officers or breathing new life into old ones. With meticulous precision and unwavering dedication, these sword cutters pour their heart and soul into each stroke of the hammer. The rich history of this craft is beautifully captured in Hokusai's masterpieces. In "The Swordsmith Munechika and the God of Inari, " we witness a moment frozen in time, where tradition intertwines with spirituality. The vibrant colors in "Dyeing and Swordmaking" bring to life the intricate process behind forging these weapons of honor. Jost Amman's illustrations transport us back to the 16th century, showcasing the tireless work of a sword maker. Their hands skillfully shaping blades that would become legends on battlefields or symbols of status among nobles. Even today, amidst modernity, there are those who carry on this age-old tradition. A fantasy swordsmith conjures up mythical weapons that ignite our imagination and transport us to realms unknown. As we delve deeper into history, an image emerges from 1917 - "There is the sword and here is the anvil. " An unknown artist captures a moment frozen in time as sparks fly under skilled hands; it serves as a reminder that true craftsmanship withstands centuries. And let us not forget Amman's depiction from 1568 - "The Cutler makes knives with handles of ivory, boxwood, sandalwood. " This glimpse into another era reminds us that even beyond swords lies a world filled with exquisite blades crafted by talented artisans. From ancient Japan during the Edo period to distant lands across time and space, one thing remains constant: The passion burning within every swordsmith's heart as they breathe life into steel.