During the past one and a half thousand years, the world has not known a higher level of craftsmanship and the mastery of materials than in the Japanese sword culture.

One of the great mysteries of this period is locked tightly in the art of SHUDO. During the creation of a Japanese sword and all its fittings, many artists collaborate to create the blade, Habaki, Tsuba, Seppa, Futchi, Kashira and Menuki that embodies the completed Japanese sword.

Patinas can be applied to colour this array of sword fittings. One of these patinas were seen to be so elusive and difficult to recreate consistently that the art of SHUDO was almost lost through the ages.

As a great admirer of Japanese sword culture, and as a bladesmith, Tiaan van Niekerk learned the art of SHUDO at the knee of a true master craftsman that still works today. As a custodian of this great art, he has passed it on to his children and other passionate swordsmiths willing to keep the secret of SHUDO alive.

The creation of SHUDO starts with pure copper. The copper is cut, shaped, carved and polished into the desired object or form. It is then heated up to within a couple of degrees off its melting point because only at this extreme temperature can copper oxides form on the surface of the object. The artist needs to “judge” the correct temperature point purely by eye, failure results in a completely ruined workpiece.

The copper is then quenched in hot water retaining the oxides on the surface of the object. Gentle polish slowly reveals the remarkable red copper underneath a dull outside layer, the piece of copper is transformed into something truly unique and exquisite.

SHUDO CRAFTED TO PERFECTION

SHUDO Graphics and Animation embody the work ethics and philosophy of this ancient Japanese sword culture. Simple elements are carefully crafted into unique and beautiful objects. Workflows are customised to suit each project and client ensuring the highest standard of craftsmanship and quality.