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to work metals
Kanji 2119

Thank you for visiting this Character Home Page. Below you'll find a synopsis of the essay. If you wish to read the full text, the PDF of the essay is available for purchase to the right.

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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Kanji PDF
Cover of essay 2119 on 冶 (to work metals) titled "The Smiths"
Mini Profile
JOYO ON-YOMI
JOYO KUN-YOMI
None
STROKES7
RADICAL冫 (15: ice)
JLPTN1
HALPERN58/62
HENSHALL-/2028
SPAHN2b5.4