Elvish knives of the Ainu

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Cimrandir
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Elvish knives of the Ainu

Post by Cimrandir »

So I know we've talked about a Japanese influence on Elvish design before. While not Japanese, I thought some of these knives of the Ainu, and specifically some of the decorations, seem rather Elvish. Though maybe I'm still viewing it through the lens of the movies.


Knives and swords of the Ainu - [LINK]

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Darnokthemage
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Re: Elvish knives of the Ainu

Post by Darnokthemage »

They are extremely beautiful!

And i think these would fit a Elven kit, even if it's non-movie!
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Elleth
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Re: Elvish knives of the Ainu

Post by Elleth »

Hunh.... yeah, I can totally see especially the center one working. Maybe render a pale white wood, change the lines a bit.... gorgeous!
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Yavion
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Re: Elvish knives of the Ainu

Post by Yavion »

The shapes are very organic and look not just pleasing but also very functional. Which makes sense for daily use tools.
I really like them.
I'd of course skip any of the carving presented if making a version for an elven impression. Don't want to go repurposing someone else's religious or spiritual iconography by mistake!
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Cimrandir
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Re: Elvish knives of the Ainu

Post by Cimrandir »

Yavion wrote: Mon Feb 27, 2023 6:14 pmI'd of course skip any of the carving presented if making a version for an elven impression. Don't want to go repurposing someone else's religious or spiritual iconography by mistake!
A very good point. If we did a full one-to-one copy, I would have to do much research and consultation before I would feel 100% comfortable with that and probably not even then. But the general sense of organic nature designs is quite appropriate I think.
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Togon
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Re: Elvish knives of the Ainu

Post by Togon »

For some reason, this works very well for Middle Earth. They look like a seax and a karambit got freaky. The carvings are very naturalistic. I could definitely see an elf carrying something similar, but more refined. Maybe if the carvings had more of like a leaf pattern like the handle on the Weta Sting.

Never made my way north enough to see Ainu stuff, although it is in my bucket list. Really not something one would think of when called Japanese.
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