{"id":105836,"date":"2025-02-15T21:54:19","date_gmt":"2025-02-16T02:54:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=105836"},"modified":"2025-02-15T21:54:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-16T02:54:21","slug":"yasurime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/yasurime\/","title":{"rendered":"How Yasurime on a Tang Helps in Appraising Japanese Swords"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#appearance-of-yasurime\">Appearance<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#types-of-yasurime\">Types<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#why-is-yasurime-crucial-for-sword-appraisal\">Yasurime for Sword Appraisal<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#yasurime-beyond-sword-blades\">Yasurime Beyond Sword Blades<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yasurime<\/strong>, decorative file patterns on the tang of a Japanese blade, are more than just an aesthetic detail\u2014it\u2019s a vital clue in uncovering a sword\u2019s history. These patterns, unique to individual swordsmiths, schools, and historical periods, serve as a silent storyteller, revealing the blade\u2019s age and origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of yasurime, exploring its appearance, the various types, and its critical role in the art of sword appraisal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"appearance-of-yasurime\">Appearance of <em>Yasurime<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"444\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Diagonal-and-horizontal-file-marks-on-the-tang.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105899 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Diagonal-and-horizontal-file-marks-on-the-tang.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Diagonal-and-horizontal-file-marks-on-the-tang-740x365.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/444;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Diagonal and horizontal file marks on the tang, with an inscription translated as, &#8216;Gassan Sadakazu forged this out of an old blade from the Golden Castle &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A Japanese sword tang features <em>yasurime <\/em>(distinctive file marks) next to the <em>habaki<\/em> (blade collar). Typically with the same pattern on both sides, these marks vary in depth, thickness, and spacing depending on the file used by the swordsmith.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"109\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Wakizashi-blade-tang-with-near-faded-file-marks.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105903 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Wakizashi-blade-tang-with-near-faded-file-marks.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Wakizashi-blade-tang-with-near-faded-file-marks-740x90.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/109;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Wakizashi blade tang with near faded file marks, positioned next to the habaki (blade collar) &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, each of the following surfaces of the tang must be filed separately:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp;<em>ji<\/em> (steel surface of the sword)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>shinogi-ji<\/em><em> <\/em>(surface of the blade between the <em>shinogi<\/em> ridge line and the back surface)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>mune<\/em> (unsharpened back surface of the blade).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-yasurime\">Types of <em>Yasurime<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The terms &#8220;<em>yasuri<\/em> (file) and <em>yasurime<\/em> (file marks) describe the filing patterns or strokes on the tang. The style of filing varies in different swordsmiths, schools, and periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <em>Kiri<\/em> (Horizontal)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kiri.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105892 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kiri.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kiri-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The most popular <em>yasurime<\/em> is <em>Kiri<\/em><em> <\/em><em>yasurime<\/em>, also known as <em>yoko <\/em><em>yasurime<\/em>. They are often found on blades from Awataguchi and Rai schools of the Yamashiro tradition and the Shikkake school of the Yamato tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern: <\/strong>Straight and horizontal, filed from edge to back<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">Old blades, such as <a class=\"notippy\" href=\"http:\/\/japaneseswordindex.com\/period.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> those from tbe Koto era <\/a> (approximately 1000 to 1600), may have worn file marks due to age.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Katte Sagari<\/em> (Downward Slanting)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katte-Sagari.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105890 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katte-Sagari.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katte-Sagari-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Katte sagari<\/em> is the second most popular style throughout all periods and is also found on <a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/10\/21\/kantei-4-yamashiro-10-awataguchi-%E7%B2%9F%E7%94%B0%E5%8F%A3-school-5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">blades from the Awataguchi<\/a>, Rai, and Shikkake sword making schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern: <\/strong>Slanting from top left to bottom right at a shallow angle, less than 45 degrees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <em>Katte Agari<\/em> (Upward Slanting)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"368\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katte-Agari.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105900 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katte-Agari.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Katte-Agari-740x303.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/368;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Katte agari<\/em> is the opposite of <em>katte sagari<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern<\/strong>: Slanting from bottom left to top right at a shallow angle, less than 45 degrees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <em>Sujikai<\/em> (Diagonal)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sujikai.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105894 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sujikai.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sujikai-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Sujikai<\/em> is similar to <em>katte sagari<\/em>, the only difference being that it slants at a greater degree. The even steeper variety is <em>o-<\/em><em>sujikai<\/em> (<em>great <\/em><em>sujikai<\/em>), seen on blades by the Aoe, Samonji, and Horikawa schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern: <\/strong>Slants from upper left to lower right, but at a steeper degree than <em>katte sagari<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, <em>saka o-<\/em><em>sujikai <\/em>is similar to <em>katte agari<\/em>, but slants at a greater degree. It appears only on Shinto blades, such as those forged by swordsmith Horikawa Kuniyasu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern<\/strong>: Slats from bottom left to top right, but at a steeper degree than <em>katte agari.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <em>Takanoha<\/em> (Hawk\u2019s Feather)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Takanoha.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105896 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Takanoha.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Takanoha-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Takanoha<\/em> file marks resemble a hawk\u2019s feather. These V-shaped file marks were seen in blades of the Yamato tradition and related sword making schools in the Koto era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern: <\/strong>Slanting down from the tang\u2019s centerline to outer edge. The ridged side of the tang (<em>shinoji-ji<\/em>) slants downward to the right, while the edge side of the tang (<em>hiraji<\/em>) slants downward to the left.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The opposite of the <em>takanoha<\/em> is <em>saka <\/em><em>takanoha<\/em>, featuring an inverted V-shaped pattern. It is mainly seen in blades from the Yamato and Mino provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern: <\/strong>The file marks on the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em> slant upwards to the right, while those on the <em>hiraji<\/em> slant upwards to the left.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <em>Kesho<\/em> (Cosmetic File Marks)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kesho.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105891 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kesho.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kesho-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kesho <\/em><em>yasurime<\/em> or <em>kesho yasuri<\/em> translates to \u201ccosmetic file marks\u201d, appearing only on Shinto and later blades, though there were variations in blades of various swordsmiths and schools. It was only used by<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/05\/17\/from-the-life-of-a-rural-edo-period-swordsmith\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> swordsmiths of the Edo period<\/a>, from 1603 to 1867 and after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern<\/strong>: Combination of slants covering most of the tang and horizontal marks. File marks can have two (<em>nidan-kesho) <\/em>or three (<em>sandan-kesho) <\/em>directions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <em>Higaki<\/em> (Cross-Hatched)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Higaki.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105889 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Higaki.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Higaki-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the term <em>higaki<\/em> refers to a fence made of thin strips of Japanese cypress, the <em>higaki <\/em><em>yasurime<\/em> is similar to the woven pattern on the fence. It is widely seen on blades from the Yamato and Mino traditions and the Naminohira school in the Koto era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern: <\/strong>Cross-hatched pattern, with slanted file marks going in both directions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. <em>Sensuki<\/em> (Shaved)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"337\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sensuki.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105901 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sensuki.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sensuki-740x277.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/337;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Sensuki<\/em> <em>yasurime <\/em>is created using a <em>sen<\/em> (a tool similar to a plane for shaping wood). Since early sword tangs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/645991\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">usually double-edged <em>ken<\/em><\/a> or <em>tsurugi<\/em>) were shaved rather than filed, this style is mainly seen on <em>jokoto<\/em> blades (pre-1000 CE). <em>Sensuki<\/em> also appeared on early Koto-era swords and sometimes on Mino blades from the Muromachi period (1338 &#8211; 1573 CE)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pattern:<\/strong> Irregular vertical strokes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-is-yasurime-crucial-for-sword-appraisal\">Why Is <em>Yasurime<\/em> Crucial for Sword Appraisal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-wakizashi-blade-by-Naotane-Taikei.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105888 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-wakizashi-blade-by-Naotane-Taikei.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-wakizashi-blade-by-Naotane-Taikei-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A wakizashi blade by Naotane Taikei (top); blade dating 1839 with kesho yasurime, a style common among Edo-period wordsmiths (bottom) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>yasurime<\/em> can reveal significant information when appraising a Japanese sword as the file marks differ based on the historical period, swordsmith\u2019s techniques, and various swordmaking schools, aiding in understanding the blade\u2019s origins and authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-katana-blade-crafted-by-the-swordsmith-Masazane.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105887 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-katana-blade-crafted-by-the-swordsmith-Masazane.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-katana-blade-crafted-by-the-swordsmith-Masazane-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A katana blade crafted by the swordsmith Masazane (top); a closer view of the tang, showcasing the yasurime and rust buildup. The blade is dated to 1526, late Muromachi period (bottom) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since a Japanese sword\u2019s tang is never cleaned or polished during its lifetime, the clarity of the <em>yasurime<\/em>, presence of remaining file marks, and color of the rust that accumulates are key when dating a blade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>yasurime<\/em> can also be examined through <em>oshigata<\/em>, highly detailed drawings of Japanese blades that are more accurate than photographs. A well-drawn <em>oshigata<\/em> can help in identifying specific swords even centuries after its creation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"798\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/An-oshigata-of-a-katana-blade.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105898 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/An-oshigata-of-a-katana-blade.jpg 798w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/An-oshigata-of-a-katana-blade-740x556.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 798px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 798\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An oshigata of a katana blade showcasing the yasurime on the tang &#8211; Credits: Oshigata.nl<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, expert Markus Sesko warns that <a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2013\/02\/27\/the-musashi-masamune-one-blade-four-oshigata\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>oshigata<\/em> can be misleading<\/a>, emphasizing that there is no substitute for examining the blade in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"yasurime-beyond-sword-blades\"><em>Yasurime<\/em> Beyond Sword Blades<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"468\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/The-tang-of-a-Japanese-jumonji-yari.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105902 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/The-tang-of-a-Japanese-jumonji-yari.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/The-tang-of-a-Japanese-jumonji-yari-740x385.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/468;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The tang of a Japanese jumonji yari (spear) featuring yasurime kiri, or straight file marks &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Yasurime <\/em>are not limited to swords and are featured in other Japanese bladed weapons including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>tanto<\/em> daggers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>polearms such as the <em>yari<\/em> (spear) and <em>naginata<\/em> (glaive)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>jumonji yari<\/em> (a cross-shaped spear variant with curved protrusions resembling cow horns).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sword-guard-displaying-yasurime.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105895 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sword-guard-displaying-yasurime.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sword-guard-displaying-yasurime-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A sword guard displaying amida-yasurime, linear file strokes that resemble sun rays or the grain of charcoal (left);  a sword guard featuring shigure-yasurime\u2014slanting, parallel file strokes resembling the drizzle of late winter (right) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>yasurime<\/em> can also refer to file marks on sword fittings, such as the <em>tsuba<\/em> (sword guard), <em>kozuka<\/em> (utility knife handle), and <em>kogai<\/em> (hairdressing tool).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common types of file marks on sword guards include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/A_OA-3101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>amida-yasurime<\/em><\/a> (resembling sun rays in a radial pattern) and <em>okina-yasurime<\/em> (concentric circles similar to marks left by a potter\u2019s wheel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kozuka-featuring-different-yasurime.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105893 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kozuka-featuring-different-yasurime.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kozuka-featuring-different-yasurime-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A kozuka featuring sujikai-yasurime, characterized by fine, dense, slanting file strokes (top); another kozuka featuring matsukawa-yasurime, file marks resembling the texture of pine bark (bottom) &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The backs of <em>kozuka<\/em> and <em>kogai<\/em> are often decorated with <em>yasurime<\/em>. The most common pattern is <em>sujikai-yasurime<\/em> (slanting strokes). Others include <em>nekogaki-yasurime<\/em> (resembling cat scratches) and <em>matsukawa-yasurime<\/em> (resembling the texture of pine bark).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-sources article-slide \"><div class=\"faq-item accordion__item\"><h5 class=\"faq-item__heading accordion__handler\">Sources Cited<span class=\"faq-item__opener faq-item__opener--dark\"><\/span><\/h5><div class=\"faq-item__content accordion__slide content-area\"><ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dicristofano, A., Hoshino, H., &amp; Babin, R. (2015). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=yPYQEAAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Intrinsic+Values+of+the+Japanese+Sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPnOXjl8eLAxWic_UHHSF4M38Q6AF6BAgEEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intrinsic Values of the Japanese Sword<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Via Media Publishing Company.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp, H., Kapp, L., &amp; Yoshihara, Y. (2013). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=c7YeN0F5tn4C&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Modern+Japanese+Swords+and+Swordsmiths:+From+1868+to+the+Present&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKwobrl8eLAxX3lK8BHbtfGB8Q6AF6BAgMEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths: From 1868 to the Present<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp, H., Yoshihara, Y., &amp; Kapp, L. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CGZPvLkmP3IC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Craft+of+the+Japanese+Sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiny8Hwl8eLAxWpj68BHUnyDPAQ6AF6BAgIEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mol, S. (2003). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=ZzIXkFec0e8C&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Classical+Weaponry+of+Japan:+Special+Weapons+and+Tactics+of+the+Martial+Arts&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOpoX2l8eLAxUila8BHSQnLa4Q6AF6BAgGEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha Inernational.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nagayama, K. (2017). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=zPyswmGDBFkC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Connoisseur%27s+Book+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3l8j7l8eLAxWJhq8BHU4nBJ0Q6AF6BAgHEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Connoisseur&#8217;s Book of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ogawa, M. (Ed.). (2009). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=FmLpLkEj1LgC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Art+of+the+Samurai:+Japanese+Arms+and+Armor,+1156-1868&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwir-c-EmMeLAxWYdvUHHd-CE6oQ6AF6BAgMEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Metropolitan Museum of Art.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2011). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handbook of Sword Fittings Related Terms<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Books on Demand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2014). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com.ph\/books?id=5w6QBwAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Encyclopedia+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA3ZuPmMeLAxXjoa8BHbMzID0Q6AF6BAgLEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lulu.com.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoshihara, Y. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=URDQAgAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=he+Art+of+the+Japanese+Sword.+The+Craft+of+Swordmaking+and+its+Appreciation&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjuo6yUmMeLAxXYafUHHekINjgQ6AF6BAgMEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Art of the Japanese Sword. The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yumoto, J. M. (2011). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=yTvRAgAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Samurai+Sword:+A+Handbook&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOr5idmMeLAxVwjq8BHYq9L28Q6AF6BAgIEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Samurai Sword: A Handbook<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yasurime, decorative file patterns on the tang of a Japanese blade, are more than just an aesthetic detail\u2014it\u2019s a vital clue in uncovering a sword\u2019s history. These patterns, unique to individual swordsmiths, schools, and historical periods, serve as a silent storyteller, revealing the blade\u2019s age and origin. Join us as we delve into the fascinating&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":105897,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","6":"hentry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105836","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=105836"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105836\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":105904,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105836\/revisions\/105904"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/105897"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=105836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=105836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=105836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}