How is the white piano lacquer saya decorated?

The hardwood saya is coated in high-gloss white piano lacquer for a smooth, porcelain-like surface. It features a hand-painted manga-style illustration on the body and a white sageo cord tied at the kurikata, keeping the entire scabbard within a clean monochrome design.

What does the knot paper inside the tsuka do?

The knot paper insert sits beneath the red ito wrapping to hold tension and prevent the cord from loosening over time. It is a traditional fitment that keeps the diamond-pattern wrap stable during display or handling.

Will the cradle arms scratch or mark my saya?

The cradle arms on these stands are shaped and angled specifically to cradle a saya along its flat or slightly curved lower surface, distributing weight across a broader contact area rather than concentrating it on a single edge. The finished wood surface is smooth enough to avoid abrasion on lacquered or natural wood sayas under normal display conditions. If you are displaying a particularly high-value or delicate saya finish — such as a fine roiro or nashiji lacquer — collectors often add a thin felt or microfiber buffer strip to the cradle contact points as an additional precaution. This is standard practice for high-end display and adds minimal visual interference.

What does the marble saya look like up close?

Updated Feb 2026

The hardwood saya has a matte white base coat with natural red-brown veining running its full 29.92-inch length, closely resembling natural marble grain. A black sageo cord is knotted at the kurikata.