Hachiwari
| Hachiwari | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | Parrying weapon |
| Designations: | Hachiwari |
| Use: | weapon |
| Region of origin / author: |
Japan , samurai, armourers |
| Distribution: | Japan |
| Overall length: | from about 30 cm |
| Handle: | Wood, lacquer, metal |
| Lists on the subject | |
A Hachiwari ( Japanese 鉢 割 , English "bowl / skull splitter "), incorrectly also Hachiwara , was a rare accessory worn by the samurai in medieval Japan that could be used for parrying. The samurai of the early period (before 1600) carried a short weapon, a tanto , in addition to the long sword tachi . Later the combination was katana and wakizashi . There is traditional evidence that Hachiwari were occasionally used instead of this accessory weapon.
description
The blade cross-section was square and forged out of the blade with a hook just below the handle . The blade was concave and narrowed towards the place . This is pointed or slightly rounded. The booklet usually has a small round or oval parry element. The handle is made of wood wrapped with Japanese lacquer ( Urushi ) or with woven silk ribbon ( Tsuka-ito ). It is slightly bent or straight and has a rounded or flat knob. There are also all-metal versions. The sheaths are usually made of wood, which is coated with lacquer or wrapped with rattan or bamboo strips .
Hachiwari exhibited in museums have a blade length of about one shaku (about 30.3 cm), which is about the same length as a tanto . The mounts with handle and Saya often correspond externally to a Shoto or Tanto. Due to the climatic conditions, the handle and saya of Japanese weapons were made "on pass" to protect the blade from corrosion, as the steel was not rustproof.
The Hachiwari served as a parrying weapon. With the blade it was possible to intercept the enemy weapon, hold it with the hook and break it. Corresponding auxiliary weapons are known from the European area as left-handed daggers or sword breakers . With different shapes, splayable blades or a saw blade-shaped back, a rapier or dagger could be "caught" and blocked by rotating it in order to gain an advantage in combat.
The translation " helmet breaker" is likely to be misleading, as it would have taken an immense effort to break open or even to open a kabuto (helmet) of the Yoroi (Japanese armor). It would also be pointless to use because the Japanese Kabuto do not have a closed visor.
Individual evidence
- ↑ George Cameron Stone : A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times. With an introduction by Donald J. LaRocca. Courier Dover Publications, Mineola NY 1999, ISBN 0-486-40726-8 , p. 273.
literature
- Ian Bottomley, Anthony Hopson: Arms and Armor of the Samurai. The history of weaponry in Ancient Japan. Crescent Books, New York NY et al. 1996, ISBN 0-517-10318-4 , p. 184.
- Thomas Louis, Tommy Ito: Samurai. The Code of the Warrior. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., New York NY 2008, ISBN 978-1-4027-6312-0 .
