Research Summary: Japanese Swords in the Ming Dynasty Military Sector
During our research into Chinese martial arts within the military sector, we repeatedly encountered references to Japanese swords. Surprisingly, Ming period China sought and required swords from Japan. Historical records indicate a significant exchange of swords and martial skills between the two nations.
Contrary to common perceptions, the trade of Japanese swords imported to China during the Ming dynasty was far more active than previously thought. These prized weapons were allocated to specialized units responsible for border defense and combating pirate raiders along China’s coastline. Below is a summary of official records, providing insight into the Ming Dynasty’s procurement of high-quality swords for military use.
- Eikyô Four (1432): 3,000 swords
- Eikyô Six (1434): 3,000 swords
- Kyôtoku Two (1453): 9,968 swords
- Ônin Two (1468): Approximately 30,000 swords
- Bunmei Eight (1476): Around 7,000 swords
- Bunmei Fifteen (1483): 38,610 swords
- Meiô Two (明応, 1493): Approximately 7,000 swords
- Eishô Eight (1511): Around 7,000 swords
- Tenbun Eight (天文, 1539): 24,152 swords
In total, this amounts to approximately 128,000 swords, averaging about 12,800 swords per mission. The last tribute mission occurred in Tenbun 16 (1547) before the tribute system collapsed. While the exact number of swords on that final mission remains unknown, we do know that at least 128,000 swords were officially acquired by the Ming Dynasty for military purposes. Experts speculate that the black market trade could have exceeded these figures significantly.
However, a lingering question remains: why do so few extant swords from this period survive?
Research Credit: Markus Sesko
https://markussesko.com/
