Japanese Militaria. The collection of General Sławomir Petelicki

The Manggha Museum presents Japanese militaria from the collection of General Sławomir Petelicki. Though not very extensive, this assembly offers a fine insight into the diversity of weapons and protective equipment, as well as the Japanese need and feel for beauty, even in this area of human endeavour which to Europeans may seem somewhat unrelated to aesthetic expectations. The exhibits include a suit of armour and a variety of swords: tachi, katana, wakizashi, tantō, aikuchi and guntō, with examples of both austere and sumptuous mountings.

The Japanese are a nation that has for centuries attached tremendous importance to all forms of combat and warfare, and to related skills, and they have always placed high value on objects used in this field. The sword was traditionally the most important element of their armament, which was reflected in its high rank. Fashioned from steel with unique properties, it was the perfect weapon. Japanese swords were characterized by their elegant form, superb structure, and the hues of the blade metal. For more than twelve centuries this weapon has had a spiritual aspect and religious significance for the Japanese. It has long been a symbol of knightly virtues, honour, courage, and loyalty.