Samurai Culture Week: Samurai jewellery

Samurai weapons are seen not only as a means of warfare but also as part of the symbolic and aesthetic dimension of samurai society. Historical changes in the symbolism, function, and taste of Japanese warriors can be seen not only in the blades of Japanese swords but also in a variety of sword accessories (called kodog). The cubo sword guards have a specific dimension. We will discuss the symbolism and position of sword decoration in the context of Japanese art with Jakub Zeman, a leading expert, and curator of historical collections.

The lecture is part of a series of five lectures and discussions on samurai culture, both material (the Japanese sword and its accessories) and spiritual and symbolic (history, humor, depiction of the samurai). The aim of the series is to introduce the knowledge of Japanese culture in the tradition of the Faculty of Arts of MU, which has long sought to be a bridge between nations and cultures through mutual understanding.

The event is part of the celebration of the centenary of the beginning of teaching at the Faculty of Arts and the Humanities Week.