Forms of Nakago-Jiri

Forms of Nakago Jiri

The Nakago Jiri is the extreme tip of the tang. It is shaped in various stylised ways which can be a useful indicator when identifying the swordmaking school of a particular blade. The forms shown below are typical examples of each named category. In practice swordsmiths made many variations of these jiri which are often hard to classify.



Kuri Jiri
So named because of the resemblance of the jiri shape to a Kuri or "chestnut". This shape is the one most often seen, and has been popular in many schools and periods.

Ha-agari Kuri Jiri
This translates as "sloping chestnut" and is found in many schools and periods.

Kengyô Jiri
Often seen on Sôshû Den blades, this jiri is named after the tip of the Ken, a type of early straight sword often portrayed in Horimono (carvings on the surface of blades).

Kiri Jiri
Kiri translates as "end" or "all there is". It is the type of tang normally seen on swords that have been shortened.

Iriyamagata Jiri
Named after a particular shape of woodsman's axe. It is seen on some Yamato swords, those made in the Hokuriku region, and some blades produced during the Shintô period.


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