Body and Soul: An Interview with Master Swordsmith Miyairi Norihiro

The clove-like hamon patterning of the blade is one of the characteristics of the Bizen tradition.

A dagger designed by Miyairi in a style designated as an intangible cultural heritage of Nagano Prefecture.

Japanese swords are forged from tamahagane (steel smelted from iron sand). The metal is tempered to distribute the carbon evenly, producing extremely strong steel.

After firing, Miyairi polishes the sword on progressively smoother grades of stones.

A tantō (short sword) made by Miyairi Norihiro. This masterpiece, with its translucent sheen, is reminiscent of the famous swords made by Bizen Osafune Kagemitsu, a great swordsmith of the Kamakura period (1185–1333).

Bachiru is an ancient craft originating in Tang China of carving elegant patterns onto dyed ivory.

Miyairi made this tōsu for the Shōsōin treasure house in Nara. The finely carved ivy-like silver patterning incorporates 72 pearls and 16 emeralds.

Miyairi quietly works alone at his forge. In summer, temperatures rise above 40 degrees Celsius.