Horimono

Horimono (彫り物, 彫物, literally carving, engraving), also known as chōkoku (彫刻, "sculpture"), are the engraved images in the blade of a Japanese sword, which may include katana or tantō blades. The images are most often carved into ceremonial blades due to the inherent weakness associated with the compromised integrity of a carved blade. The artist is called a chōkokushi (彫刻師), or a horimonoshi (彫物師, "engraver"). There are a variety of designs, which include kozumi (claws), kusa kurikara (草倶利伽羅) (Arabesque style), Munenagabori (created in Munenaga), rendai (lotus pedastal), tokko (a type of Indian sword), fruit, dragons, and many others.