The "soul of the samurai" was his sword, especially this long, slightly curved type
... As for the host, his long-sword was generally stored above the 
wakizashi on a... [DOC] [TLE] Japanese Arms and Armour | Pitt Rivers Museum [PAR] A samurai's giri (obligation) to his lord was often forgotten when treachery .... and 
accessories became especially collectable after 1868 and the decline of the 
samurai.