Thechokutō (直刀, 'straight sword') is a straight, single-edgedJapanese sword that was mainly produced prior to the 9th century. Its basic style is likely derived fromsimilar swords of ancient China.[1][2] Chokutō were used on foot for stabbing or slashing and were worn hung from the waist.[3][2][4] Until theHeian period such swords were calledtachi (大刀), distinct fromtachi written as太刀, as the latter refers to curved swords.[5]
The production of swords in Japan is divided into specific time periods:[6]
Thetsurugi was the earliest type of sword made in Japan.[7][8] Thechokutō, on the other hand, was among the earliest types of sword to be forged in Japan, its basic style and forging techniques probably originated in ancient China and Korea. Thechokutō was brought to Japan by way of Korean Peninsula and China in theHan dynasty times.[9][1]
There are various types ofchokutō in theKofun period (300－538), and there are styles originated in China and styles unique to Japan.[7] Thekantō-tachi (環頭大刀) is a Chinese style, characterized by a ring-shaped ornament shaped like a dragon or a phoenix on the tip of the handle.[7] TheKabutsuchi-tachi (頭椎大刀) is a unique Japanese style with a fist-like decoration on the tip of the handle.[10][7] Therokkaku-sōtōken (鹿角装刀剣) is also unique to Japan and is decorated with deer antlers. As the name suggests, this style is also applied totsurugi.[11][7]
Thechokutō in various styles including these styles declined around the end of theAsuka period (593－710), and only the style called thehōtō-tachi (方頭大刀), in which the decoration on the tip of the handle was rectangular parallelepiped, survived from theNara period (710－794).[12]
Chokutō typically come inhira-zukuri andkiriha-zukuri tsukurikomi (blade styles) which make them very distinct from latertachi andkatana which rarely use these forms. Swords of this period are classified asjōkotō and are often referred to in distinction from Japanese swords.[6]
Chokutō as a weapon died out by the middle of theHeian period, in the 10th century. And as a weapon, it was completely replaced by the Japanese sword, which is known today for its deep and graceful curves. The first sword with this curve was calledKenukigata-tachi (ja:毛抜形太刀), which was made by improvingWarabitetō (ja:蕨手刀) used byEmishi inTohoku region.[13][14] AndKenukigata-tachi evolved intotachi, which became the mainstream of Japanese swords for a long time.[15]
In today's Japan, straight swords made with the techniques afterchokutō, are also calledchokutō, and these are sometimes used in traditional ceremonies. TheSugari no Ontachi (須賀利御太刀[16]) is one of thechokutō made as an offering toAmaterasu, the main enshrinedkami ofIse Grand Shrine, and one of the most gorgeous sword mountings among thechokutō. According to tradition, the building of Ise Grand Shrine and its sacred treasures have been recreated to the same specifications every 20 years since the seventh century. TheSugari no Ontachi was first described in theKotai Jingu Gishikicho (皇太神宮儀式帳) compiled in 804, and it is believed that new decorations were added to the scabbard and sword fittings at each subsequentShikinen Sengu (Rebuild every 20 years, 式年遷宮) to complete the design as we know it today.[17] TheSugari no Ontachi currently offered to Ise Grand Shrine was remade in 2013 and is thought to have accurately inherited the style of sword mountings from the Heian period (794－1185) and the forging method from theSinto period (1596－1781).[18][19][20]
![Shitennō-ji Shichiseiken [ja], single-edged straight sword, Asuka period](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aSeven_stars_sword_Sitenoji_rotated.jpg)
