冶
to work metals
Kanji 2119
to work metals
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Synopsis
Find out how far back the Japanese craved metal and see how acquiring it changed society, enabling people to have weapons, tools, coins, bells, sewn clothes, and even sacred mirrors. Learn to talk about metal experts, from blacksmiths and swordsmiths to metallurgists and those who separate metal from ore. Also discover why there are wavy patterns on Japanese sword blades.
Revision history:
May 9, 2024: p. 3: Made slight edits to the discussion of the last book title.
Feb. 23, 2022:
- p. 2, Etymology Box: Added a Henshall etymology.
- p. 9: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.
Aug. 17, 2018: Originally published.
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