The Story of the 47 Ronin is one of the most celebrated
and influential tales of the Samurai from the Edo period. Lord Asano
was a powerful Daimyo ordered by the Shogun to entertain guests of
the Imperial Family. The highest ranking master of protocol, Kira,
was given the task of teaching Asano, among others, proper matters
of etiquette in this task. Lord Asano and Kira quickly grew to dislike
each other and the teacher insulted his student at every opportunity.
No longer able to contain himself, Asano drew his sword upon Kira,
wounding him in the attack. This act led to Asano’s ordered
suicide (seppuku) and the confiscation of his property. On December
14, 1702, nearly one year after Asano’s death, 47 of Asano’s
men (now Ronin), descended upon the mansion of Kira to exact their
revenge. After a fierce battle, the Ronin demanded that Kira commit
seppuku for his transgressions against their former master. When
he refused he was beheaded. For their actions the Ronin were themselves
sentenced to death by seppuku. They are buried together at the Sengakuji,
offering a true testament to the loyalty inherent in the Samurai.
The Ronin Koshirae Katana captures the spirit
of Lord Asano’s
47 Ronin. The blackened iron Tsuba depicts Asano’s followers
on their vengeful march. The blade is hand forged & folded Swedish
powder steel with Hi in a traditional Shinogi Zukuri style. |