The evolution of the katana was naturally closely associated with that of the Samurai, the warrior class of feudal Japan, or Bushi as they were known in Japan. As warriors and masters of the art of war, the Bushi had themselves evolved from being employed as guards serving powerful leaders, into a dominant class of its own. Eventually it led to the establishment of a feudalistic military which established the Ways of the Bushido to dominate the Japanese feudal and social structures for the next 700 years. The Bushi's primary role as military knights was their total and absolute allegiance to their peers for whom they were pledged to fight and if need be to die defending. They adhered to strict martial codes and disciplines and were uncompromising in their observance of honorable and chivalrous behaviors. Honor was their life and they would as soon embrace death than be dishonored. The Bushi's demand for dependable weapons of the highest quality produced katana of unrivalled perfection during a era where honor and chivalry were their life. They wore two swords during battle, the long sword katana (daito) and the short sword shoto (wakazashi). In a traditional Japanese home a special room is used to display these swords. This room is a place of honor where only distinguished guests are entertained during the Chanoyu tea ceremony.
In 1867 the Meiji Restoration banned possession of katana as arms except only to certain privileged class. As a result the ancient swordsmith began to conceal the blade of the katana in simple walking sticks and the soul of samurai lived on.
This traditional guardless 4 piece sword set includes the 39.5 inch long sword katana, 30.5 inch wakizashi, and 21 inch tanto. Each steel blade is highly polished, sharpened, oiled and slips tightly into its matching saya scabbard. Each sword has the Japanese inscription "Soul Of The Samurai" engraved on the saya scabbard and is accompanied with a beautiful black lacquered display stand.
