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Japanese tachi

Type Object Region Japan Time c. 1150–1190

The tachi worn by Japanese samurai, with a long, slightly curved blade and hamon formed by quenching;…

Timeline

  1. c. 1150–1180Around Kyoto · KansaiThe tachi as a samurai sword form matured, with increased blade curvature and developed hamon techniques; its way of wearing coexisted with the katana, reflecting late-Heian warrior culture.
  2. 1181–1190Dan-no-ura–Ichi-no-Tani battlefield area · JapanIn the battles of the 1180s Genpei War, the tachi was the core weapon for samurai mounted and foot combat; famous blades and forging schools rose to prominence in this period.

Sources