用語集
A–Z Reference of Japanese Arms & Armor Terminology
Glossary
Search and browse definitions for Japanese sword, fittings, armor, and historical terminology. Supports both macron and non-macron spellings.
21 terms
胴
Dō
Cuirass / torso armor
ArmorBeginner Explanation
The torso-protecting body armor, the central piece of a Japanese armor set.
胴丸
Dō-maru
Body-wrapping armor
ArmorBeginner Explanation
A style of armor that wraps the body and closes at the side.
江戸時代
Edo period
Tokugawa period (1603–1868)
PeriodBeginner Explanation
The period of Tokugawa rule from 1603 to 1868.
映り出し
Hadori
Polishing style revealing the hamon
CraftBeginner Explanation
A modern polishing technique that emphasizes the hamon as a bright, white line.
濱野
Hamano school
Edo soft-metal fittings school
SchoolBeginner Explanation
An Edo-period school of soft-metal fitting makers.
石黒
Ishiguro school
Edo fittings school
SchoolBeginner Explanation
An Edo-period fittings school known for refined natural subjects.
虎徹
Kotetsu
Nagasone Kotetsu; celebrated early Edo swordsmith
SchoolBeginner Explanation
Nagasone Kotetsu is one of the most celebrated early Edo-period swordsmiths, renowned for cutting ability and distinctive hamon.
国広
Kunihiro
Horikawa Kunihiro; late Momoyama/early Edo swordsmith
SchoolBeginner Explanation
Horikawa Kunihiro was an influential late Momoyama/early Edo-period swordsmith who revived classical styles.
緑石目
Midori-Ishime
Green stone-texture (ishime) lacquer saya finish
FittingBeginner Explanation
A green "ishime" (stone-texture) lacquer finish — a matte, pebbled green saya surface like rough stone.
水戸
Mito school
Edo metalworking tradition
SchoolBeginner Explanation
An Edo-period metalworking tradition associated with Mito.
魚子
Nanako
Minute dotted ground texture
CraftBeginner Explanation
A ground texture of minute raised dots resembling fish roe.
奈良
Nara school
Edo metalworking fittings school
SchoolBeginner Explanation
An Edo-period metalworking tradition known for pictorial fittings.
緒
Odoshi
Armor lacing
ArmorBeginner Explanation
The lacing used to connect armor scales or plates.
折紙
Origami
Folded appraisal document
DocumentBeginner Explanation
A folded appraisal document, especially from Hon'ami evaluation.
赤銅
Shakudō
Copper-gold blue-black alloy
MaterialBeginner Explanation
A copper-and-gold alloy patinated to a deep blue-black.
Shitodome
Ornamental metal liner
FittingBeginner Explanation
A small ornamental metal liner in a fitting aperture.
太刀
Tachi
Earlier long sword (worn edge-down)
BladeBeginner Explanation
An earlier sword form, worn edge-down, suspended from the belt. Generally longer and more curved than the katana.
忠広
Tadahiro
Hizen Tadahiro; celebrated Edo-period swordsmith
SchoolBeginner Explanation
The Tadahiro lineage of Hizen Province produced blades celebrated for refined suguha hamon and exceptional jigane.
畳胴
Tatami-dō
Folding armor
ArmorBeginner Explanation
A folding, portable cuirass that collapses for travel.
当世具足
Tosei-gusoku
Modern armor (Sengoku–Edo)
ArmorBeginner Explanation
The 'modern' armor developed in response to firearms and mass warfare.
横谷
Yokoya school
Edo fittings school known for carving
SchoolBeginner Explanation
An Edo-period fittings school known for expressive carving.