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Japanese Tachi

Type Object Region Asia Time 900–1600

The tachi is the long curved sword worn by Japanese samurai, with a blade usually over two shaku, suspended edge-down for mounted combat.

Timeline

  1. 900–1185Japan · JapanIn the late Heian period Japanese swords absorbed continental techniques and developed deeply curved blades, with the tachi gradually taking shape as the primary weapon for mounted archery and slashing from horseback.
  2. 1185–1311Kamakura · KantōIn the Kamakura period gokenin regarded the tachi as a symbol of status and valor, swordsmith schools flourished in Sagami, Bizen and elsewhere, and around the Mongol invasions the tachi served both practical and ceremonial functions.
  3. 1311–1320Japan · JapanBetween 1311 and 1320 the tachi remained the core armament of the samurai class; the shogunate and shugo daimyō rewarded gokenin with famous blades, and sword craftsmanship was closely bound to warrior-household ritual law.
  4. 1333–1600Japan · JapanFrom the Muromachi period onward infantry combat increased, and the shorter, quicker-drawing uchigatana gradually displaced the tachi from everyday wear, though the tachi was still valued as a ceremonial object and heirloom blade.

Sources