Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto has long been home to some of Japan’s most gifted swordsmiths and many famous blades have been produced in the former imperial capital. Though swords made in various regions are associated with “Yamashiro” (the former name of the province around Kyoto), those actually made in the former capital have always had the highest status, prized by nobility and samurai alike. During the Edo period (1615–1868), swords were frequently exchanged among daimyo lords, and a sword from Kyoto was considered the highest gift. This exhibition features almost every National Treasure sword made in Yamashiro (Kyoto), alongside other top tachi, katana, and other blades produced by associated master swordsmiths between the Heian (794–1185) and Heisei (1989–present) periods. Also on show are a selection of important paintings, calligraphy works, dolls, and other objects that demonstrate the history of the Yamashiro smiths and their influence on Japan’s sword culture.