Horimono (彫物) is a term used to describe engravings on Japanese blades.
Types of Horimono
Many Japanese blades are adorned with engravings for the purpose of enhancing their balance or for decorative purposes. There are various traditional motifs that are given different names. The following designations are used:
- Goma hashi (護摩箸): This motif depicts chopsticks used on altars in Shinto shrines.
- Ken (剣): The representation of a sword - Ken or Tsurugi - as an alternative manifestation of the burning deity.
- Suken (素剣, "plain sword"): An ancient straight sword. Tsume (爪): The Ken with a claw (tsume) at the end of the hilt.
- Bonji (梵字): The Bonji are Sanskrit characters. They can be depicted alone or in combination with other elements as illustrated in connection with the Ken. The engraving is located in the Hi (groove).
- Kurikara (倶利伽羅, from Sanskrit: Kṛkara): A dragon coiling around a sword.
- Shin-no-kurikara (真の倶利伽羅): A realistically depicted dragon coiling around a sword.
- Gyō-no-kurikara (行の倶利伽羅): A simplified depiction of a dragon coiling around a sword.
- Sō-no-kurikara (草の倶利伽羅): A stylized depiction of a dragon (lines) coiling around a sword.
- Kaen Fudō (火炎不動) and Fudō Myōō (不動明王): The depiction of the deity of the same name enveloped in flames (Kaen).
For custom-made blades today, it is sometimes possible to obtain different engravings, including original designs. However, traditional designs are usually offered.