What does the dragon saya design look like?

The hardwood saya is lacquered in deep black with a deeply embossed dragon design along its full length. Orange-red accent coloring fills the carved recesses, contrasting sharply against the dark base coat. A braided brown sageo cord is knotted at the kurigata.

How is the red saya finish applied?

The saya is built from hardwood and finished in high-gloss piano lacquer in a vivid red base coat. Golden maple leaf motifs with white vein detail are hand-painted over the lacquer across nearly the full scabbard length.

How should I store or display a Japanese folding fan?

For display, mounting a fan fully open prevents repeated stress on the pivot pin and keeps the fabric panel taut and evenly supported. Dedicated fan display stands or wall-mount brackets hold the fan at the base ribs without pressing on the silk, which can leave permanent impressions. If storing a fan folded, wrap it loosely in acid-free tissue rather than a sealed plastic bag — bamboo and silk both benefit from slight air circulation to prevent mold in humid climates. Keep display fans away from direct sunlight, which fades pigments in silk panels even through glass. A relative humidity between 45% and 55% is ideal; below that, bamboo can develop fine surface cracks, and above it, the ribs may absorb moisture and swell at the pivot joint.

Is the tsuka wrap leather or synthetic cord?

Updated Feb 2026

The handle uses black pebbled leather wrapping - the same material and texture as the saya - rather than traditional cord ito. Silver fuchi and kashira collars secure the wrap at both ends of the tsuka.