Practicing pole sword 1895

This woodblock triptych was created by Yōshū Chikanobu in the late 19th century, and it depicts women practicing with pole swords. Swords in Japan carry a symbolic weight far beyond their function as weapons; they represent honor, discipline, and the samurai code, Bushido. Here, the presence of these weapons in the hands of women challenges traditional gender roles, yet also echoes historical realities of women from samurai families who were trained in martial arts to defend their homes. Consider how this mirrors the image of the Amazonian women warriors in Greek art, symbols of strength and independence. These motifs, like recurring dreams, reveal a collective fascination with empowerment and protection. The act of training itself reflects a deeper psychological need for preparedness and control, which, over time, takes on layers of meaning. Symbols often shift and resurface in different guises, reflecting our ever-evolving cultural and psychological landscape.