How does the black saya finish feel and what material is it?

The 30.3-inch saya is crafted from hardwood with a matte black painted surface designed to simulate a leather texture. It pairs with a white sageo cord tied at the kurikata, matching the white ito handle wrap for a consistent black-and-white aesthetic.

How is the black leather saya constructed?

The 30.7-inch saya is built from hardwood with a piano lacquer base, then wrapped in black PU leather that gives it a scaled texture. A black and green sageo cord is tied at the kurikata, adding a subtle two-tone accent to the scabbard.

What is painted on the scabbard?

The hardwood saya features a hand-painted dragon scene with lightning and storm imagery across a white-to-blue lacquer ground. A black sageo cord attaches at the kurigata, and the silver-toned collar completes the finish.

What materials are typically used for brown tsuba?

Brown tsuba are most commonly produced in iron, antiqued brass-washed steel, or patinated alloy. The brown tone can result from deliberate oxidation of iron (producing a warm, rust-resistant surface), applied lacquer over cast metal, or selective aging treatments on brass alloy. High-quality collectible tsuba often feature hand-engraved motifs - dragon or chrysanthemum designs are particularly common - with the brown finish serving to highlight recessed detail rather than obscure it. The finish also ages gracefully in display conditions, developing subtle character over time without requiring active maintenance.

What is the tsuka construction and wrap material?

Updated Feb 2026

The handle is built on a hardwood core, underlaid with PU black samegawa for texture, then tightly wrapped in black cord in a diamond braid pattern. Gold-tone menuki pieces are set into both sides of the wrap.