Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
Art vs. Commerce
Few Westerners have witnessed the practice of forging the sacred katana, or Samurai sword.
Through the centuries, the curved katana has remained a marvel of aesthetic beauty and
skillful engineering, but to its maker, and to its owner, it is much more. Through a millen-
nium of Japanese tradition, a Samurai's finely honed sword has come to be seen as his soul.
This deep meaning requires a perfect combination of form and function. The sword maker
gives both blade and hilt the ideal shape and substance, while the Samurai warrior gives the
sword its ultimate function.
Figure 3 - Master Swordmaker Fujimura Kunitoshi starting to hammer tomahagane (first
real step in sword making).
The sword maker works within the confines of a rigorous design, using a strictly defined
process. He believes in the spiritual mystique of his artistically wrought product. The sword
is art in the fullest sense: a pure expression of the artist's individual truth. Yet it is also evid-
ence of a culture's truth. It is a definitive symbol of Japanese history and ideals. From the
dawn of Japan's cultural identity, Samurai's have wielded their swords in defense of indi-
vidual honor, and in opposition to the nation's foes. It is the Samurai's primary weapon when
confronting wrongs within, or enemies without. This is art with a function. As the sword
maker forges his product, he must combine its deepest spiritual aspects with what it is meant
to do. After all, if the sword is dull, or otherwise badly made, its user might pay with his life.
That's a high price for any product.
