September 29, 2018, lecture on Soshu Den at the gallery

Seattle Art Sword Token Kai

Japanese Sword Study Series #5:

Soshu Tradition

1:00 PM Saturday, September 29, 2018

Japanese Art Swords

A gallery of fine blades and related art

Located in Rain City Fencing Center

1776 136th Pl NE, Bellevue, WA 98005

This seminar will cover the history and general workmanship of the Soshu sword making tradition. The Soshu school arose in the late Kamakura era in the service of the Kamakura Bakufu. It was a meld of different schools and traditions, including a strong northern influence, and its core of master smiths attracted students from all over the country. When the town of Kamakura was destroyed at the end of the Warring Courts era, the Soshu smiths scattered across the country and spread their influence through both space and time. Several blades will be available for study.

As always, we will review safe handling, sword etiquette, and formal viewing of the nihonto.

Anyone interested in the Japanese sword as an object of art, craft, and history is invited to attend.

Seattle Art Sword Token Kai is a group dedicated to the study of nihonto, the Japanese sword. Seattle Art Sword Token Kai’s advisor is Tatsuhiko Konno, a licensed sword polisher with over 40 years experience in the study of Japanese swords. The lecturer is Steve Colton, who has been collecting and studying Japanese swords for 40 years.

To sign up, contactB. Tsutakawa (206) 234-4685, or Jeff Douglas (425) 329-9700 or email [email protected].

Ongoing construction on 136th Pl NE has created some changes. 136th Pl NE is now one-way northbound. For best access, please see http://www.raincityfencing.com/about-us/our-facility/light-rail-construc...