The Great Wave
At first sight, the great wave is simply an image of a serene and timeless Japan, but take a closer look and you see that this beautiful wave is about to engulf three boats of terrified fishermen as Mount Fuji and the shores of Japan recede into the distance. This is an image of Japan, fearful that the sea which has protected its peaceful isolation for so long will become its downfall.
In 1639 Japan closed its borders and cut itself off from the outside world. Foreigners were expelled, Western culture was forbidden, and entering or leaving Japan was punishable by death. It would remain that way for over 200 years.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai was made around 1830; it was a time when the rest of the world was becoming industrialized and the Japanese were concerned about foreign invasions.
Source: https://dustyoldthing.com/the-great-wave-off-kanagawa-meaning/
This wave sword was the First Place winner in Imagine Differently (2023 – 2024) Exhibition at Imagine Museum. · Swords by TC Studio
“What does it mean to be a samurai? To devote yourself utterly to a set of principles. To seek a stillness of your mind and to master the way of the sword.”— The Last Samurai
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms hold many meanings, the first being that life is fleeting. They are beautiful to see in their prime, but the flowers on the trees are short-lived — blooming for only a few weeks before falling to the ground and withering away.
The sakura’s meaning is also contradictory. It symbolizes both life and death, beauty and violence.
As the coming of spring promises new life, so the blooming of cherry blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vibrancy. At the same time, their short lifespan is a reminder that life is fleeting.
Source: Jal.co.jp · Swords by TC Studio
Bamboo
Bamboo is a very strong plant. Because of its sturdy root structure, it is a symbol of prosperity in Japan.
For years, people were told to run into the bamboo groves in the event of an earthquake, because the bamboo’s strong root structure would hold the earth together. Simple and unadorned, the bamboo is also symbolic of purity and innocence. “Take o watta youna hito” literally translates into “a man like fresh-split bamboo” and refers to a man with a frank nature.
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/bamboo-in-japanese-culture-2028043 · Swords by TC Studio