SAGA -- An exhibition featuring swords made by a craftsman and his disciples who worked for the Saga daimyo clan is being held at the Saga Prefectural Art Museum in Saga City through Sept. 13.
Tadayoshi, a skilled craftsman of Hizen swords, was patronized by the Nabeshima family, who were the lords of the clan during the Edo period (1603-1867).
The exhibition displays 47 items, including 18 swords, mainly Hizen swords. The homogeneous and delicate quality of Hizen swords was highly valued. The Kaiho Kenjaku, a sword book of the same period that ranked swords according to their sharpness, selected three Hizen sword craftsmen including Tadayoshi among the 12 highest-rated craftsmen.
"A panel was installed to show key points of the exhibition so that beginners can enjoy it. I hope visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Hizen swords through the exhibits," said a museum curator.
Some of the exhibit items will be changed out during the event. For example, a sword owned by Yoshitake Shima, a retainer of the Saga clan active at the end of Edo period through the Meiji Restoration, will be exhibited from Aug. 12. A lecture by the curator will also be presented on Aug.30.
Admission is free. The museum is closed on Mondays. However, it will be open Monday, Aug. 10., and closed Aug. 11.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
