2017 The Power and Beauty of the Japanese Sword - A Unique Evening with Japanese Sword CollectorsNEW

The Japanese sword is one of the most highly revered objects in Japanese traditional culture. Said to embody the spirit of the samurai warrior, the sword - especially the curved katana blade - is also one of the most exquisitely crafted art forms created in Japan. For centuries, Japanese swordsmiths have been highly respected for their ability to forge blades that are not only sharp and powerful but also serenely beautiful, often patterned with an ethereal hamon that evokes a misty mountain range, crashing waves or drifting clouds. Not surprisingly, these blades have been passed on through generations as family treasures and are now passionately collected around the world.

Join us at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden for a unique evening with Japanese sword collectors, Yurie Halchek and Richard Suran, who will not only share with us their knowledge about the history and production of these precious weapons but also show us a number of swords from their collections, some of which date back 1,000 years. They will also bring with them several sword fittings, such as tsuba and menuki, which are remarkable works of artistry in their own right.

Tickets for this special event are $20 per person, (discounts apply for garden members) and will include a reception in the garden with wine and appetizers before the talk. Space is limited so reservations are required and may be made on the Programs and Reservations page of the website at http://japanesegardenpasadena.com/programs.html.