Blade of Eternity Tee

永遠の剣 (eien no ken): "the eternal blade."

Of all the swords in Japan, five have been named the Tenka Goken, the Five Swords Under Heaven, and Mikazuki Munechika is usually called the loveliest of the five. Sanjō Munechika forged it in Kyoto in the Heian period. Its name means crescent moon, after the faint curved marks along its temper line. It's a National Treasure now, kept at the Tokyo National Museum.

A katana cuts on a hard diagonal across a brushed red ring on the back, with flame and smoke curling off the steel and a gold ornament at the top. A sweep of black brushwork sits behind the blade, and a small version of the whole thing rides on the chest.

Pale gray and red is a strong pairing that still works under a plain overshirt. Get it for the person who would rather talk about steel than anything else at dinner. The samurai and sword pieces keep the theme going in other colors.

• Fabric: 100% combed cotton, 230gsm, pre-shrunk and soft-washed
• Print: direct-to-garment (DTG)
• Color: washed pale gray
• Fit: unisex, regular; size up for a boxier, oversized look
• Sizes: S to 3XL
• Size reference: 6 ft 2 in wears L; 5 ft 7 in wears M

Measurements for every size are in the size guide.