“Shusui,” literally “autumn water,” is a term used to describe the pure, unclouded shine of polished Japanese swords. Though they were first produced as weapons back in the mid Heian period (10th and 11th c.), over time, the latent spirituality and artistic beauty of swords led them to be considered works of art that are representative of Japan, even today.
For our first year open, the museum is holding a four-part Shusui Beauty exhibit, with a focus on truly superb swords from the museum’s collection.
This fourth session brings the exhibition to a dramatic close, with such masterpieces as the Musashi Ryokai, a Special Important Sword said to have been owned by the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi himself, as well as a sword by Tsugutada of the Koaoe (Old Aoe) School (an Important Cultural Property). In addition to these, the exhibition features an encore display of the sword Kotetsu (signed “Tora Nyudo,” or “Tiger Monk”), an Important Cultural Property shown during the first session the previous year. This exhibit serves as an outstanding opportunity to experience the incredible appeal of Japanese swords.
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