I found this bit of info, but I am afraid it doesn't go into further
detail, but it does indicate real swords were used, at least in the
19th century.
"Until the latter part of the 19th century, Kabuki actors owned and
took care of their own props. Today, however, about 40 employees at
the Fujinami Properties Co. handle them. Many of these props are
genuine articles - real swords, netsuke, tobacco pouches, hibachi
and so forth. They are priceless not only because of their intrinsic
value, but also because they have histories of being used by famous
actors such as Danjuro, Kikugoro and Kichiemon."
--- In
samuraihistory@yahoogroups.com, "Matthew E. Hoyle"
wrote:
> Does anyone know if the Kabuki actors of 17th, 18th and 19th cent
Japan
> used real swords in
> their plays ?
>
> Looking at ukiyo-e you would think so, some of the koshirae looks
very
> elaborate.
>
> If this is the case wouldn't the theater people have gigantic
> collections of
> swords rusting away somewhere ?
>
> Just curious.
>
>
> - Matt
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]