Samurai Tachi Swords and Koshiate Sword Holsters

Tachi are an early type of Japanese sword worn by the nobility and warrior classes of feudal Japan. From the Heian (794 to 1185) to the Muromachi (1336 to 1573 )periods, the tachi was the primary battlefield sword. Preceding development of the slightly shorter uchigatana (lit: striking sword) and later katana, tachi were worn with the blade facing downwards, and instead of being worn in the sash-like obi and held firm by the straps of the hakama, were worn suspended horizontally from two hangers called ashi, and worn tied around the waist with a cord called the tachi-no-o.