In Japan’s history, seals (hanko) were not merely tools, but important symbols of authority and trust. Especially for the samurai class, seals were a means of establishing political and military power and signified their position and influence. This article delves into the relationship between the samurai and seals, exploring how seals played a crucial role in samurai society.
The Beginning of Samurai and Seals
The origins of seals trace back to China, but their use has been confirmed in Japan since ancient times. Particularly during the Nara and Heian periods, official seals were used within the ritsuryō system to validate political legitimacy. Later, during the Kamakura period, with the rise of the samurai government, seals became indispensable for the samurai.
Seals as Symbols of Samurai Authority
From the Kamakura to the Muromachi periods, samurai needed to issue documents to manage their territories and command their vassals. The “kaō” (signature) and seals were used in this process. While the kaō was written by the samurai themselves, seals were used in more formal situations to guarantee the authenticity and authority of documents.
During the Warring States period, the importance of seals grew as documents for alliances and land transfers were exchanged frequently. Warlords began creating their own seals, stamping them on orders and certificates (documents acknowledging achievements) given to their vassals or subjects, thus asserting their authority.
Warring States Warlords’ Seals and Imperial Letters
Warlords during the Warring States period especially used seals on “inbanjō” (official documents). These documents were used to confirm territorial control or alliances. Warlords’ seals were always affixed to these papers, and the design of the seal reflected their authority and personality.
For example, Oda Nobunaga used a distinctive seal design to emphasize his power, while Tokugawa Ieyasu used a seal engraved with his own name. After establishing the Tokugawa Shogunate, Ieyasu continued to place great importance on the seal system. Thus, seals became more than just practical tools—they became symbols of the samurai identity and family prestige.
The Practice of Blood Seals
Alongside seals, the practice of “ketsuban” (blood sealing) was very significant among the samurai. Blood sealing involved pressing one’s own blood onto a document, symbolizing a strong commitment or loyalty, especially when making important pacts or vows.
During the Warring States period, blood seals were commonly used when making alliances or oaths. Samurai would injure their fingers, using the blood as a substitute for ink, thereby showing that their vows were made with their lives at stake. Blood-sealed documents were considered sacred, emphasizing that betrayal was not tolerated in these solemn contracts.
These blood-sealed documents were also viewed as sacred, often invoking divine protection. This custom was widespread among samurai and continued in some ritualistic contexts even in the Edo period.
The Development of Seal Culture in the Edo Period
By the Edo period, Japan experienced a more peaceful era than the Warring States period, but seals remained important to the samurai. During this time, the skills of seal engravers advanced, leading to the creation of more intricate seals. Notably, the “jitsuin” (personal official seal) became widespread and was used in important transactions like land sales and contracts.
The Edo period also saw the emergence of a custom known as “tsumein” (nail seal), where individuals would press their nails, dipped in red ink, onto documents as a simple alternative to seals. This practice was available to commoners who did not possess an official seal, indicating that the concept of seals had permeated commoner culture as well.
The Significance of Seals in Samurai Society
In samurai society, seals were not just tools; they were symbols of social trust. Much like modern-day signatures or seal certifications, documents with seals held official validity. Especially from the Warring States to the Edo period, without a seal on a document, land transfers and contracts were not recognized, indicating that seals were a symbol of power.
Seals also embodied “trust” for the samurai, playing an important role in building relationships of trust with their families and vassals. Consequently, the management of seals was highly regulated, and unauthorized use could result in severe punishment.
Moreover, documents sealed with blood carried special significance, representing not only a seal but also a grave responsibility. In this way, both seals and blood seals symbolized authority and trust in samurai society, reflecting their way of life.
Conclusion
Looking back at the relationship between samurai and seals, it is clear that seals were not merely physical tools but important symbols of samurai authority and trust. Through the unique practice of blood sealing, we also gain insight into how the samurai made oaths and contracts with their lives at stake.
Today, seal culture still remains deeply rooted in Japanese society, and its origins can be traced back to the samurai culture of seals and blood seals.
Through the story of seals, we are reminded of the depth of Japan’s history and culture, and how the samurai’s trust and authority have shaped it.
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