What accessories come included with a katana sword purchase?

Every katana sword in our collection ships as a complete display-ready package. The blade comes seated in a fitted hardwood saya (scabbard) finished with lacquer in the color shown in the product listing. A silk sword bag is included for storage and transport. The handle assembly comes fully installed with samegawa (ray skin), tsuka-ito (handle cord), menuki (ornamental grip fittings), fuchi and kashira (collar and pommel caps), and a tsuba (hand guard). Many pieces also include a cotton cleaning cloth and a small bottle of maintenance oil. No additional purchases are needed to display or care for the sword upon arrival.

What is the shirasaya and how does it differ from standard katana mountings?

Shirasaya means white scabbard in Japanese, referring to the plain, undecorated natural wood mounting that gives the blade format its name. Where a standard katana mounting includes a lacquered scabbard, decorative handle with ray skin and cord wrapping, metal tsuba guard, and ornamental fittings, the shirasaya uses only plain unstained wood for both the handle and scabbard - no guard, no wrapping, no lacquer, no metal fittings beyond the very minimum required for structural integrity. This minimalist mounting style was used historically to store blades between active mountings, as the simple wood construction allowed the blade to breathe and be inspected easily. In the collecting context, the shirasaya mounting emphasizes the blade itself as the complete aesthetic object - the minimal housing is a frame that presents rather than decorates.

How should I store a black-green lacquered saya long term?

Lacquered saya are sensitive to both excessive dryness and high humidity. Ideal storage conditions fall between 45–60% relative humidity — too dry and the wood core can contract and crack the lacquer surface; too humid and the wood may swell, making the blade difficult to draw cleanly. Store the katana horizontally on a display stand rather than upright, which prevents the blade from pressing unevenly against the interior of the saya over time. Apply a light coat of choji oil to the blade every three to six months to prevent oxidation, and wipe the exterior of the lacquered saya with a dry, soft cloth — avoid oils or solvents on the lacquer itself, as these can dull the finish or lift the painted motif over repeated application.

What display setup complements a peony tsuba tachi well?

A horizontal katana or tachi stand in dark wood or lacquered black finish tends to complement the ornate copper or gold tsuba without visual competition. Displaying the tachi with the edge facing downward honors the historical carrying orientation of the tachi as distinct from the katana. If pairing with other pieces, consider grouping by fitting material — a gold peony tsuba tachi pairs well with other gold-accented display swords. Red lacquer saya variants photograph and display particularly well against neutral or dark backgrounds. For a curated wall or shelf display, keeping the saya on preserves the lacquer and rayskin while the overall silhouette still communicates the tachi's elegant curvature.

What display arrangements work best for a red blade katana?

Updated Feb 2026

A red blade katana deserves a display arrangement that makes the blade's color treatment the visual centerpiece of the presentation. The most effective display orientation is the standard horizontal two-peg wall bracket at eye level, with the blade visible from across the room against a neutral or contrasting background. White and light gray walls provide clean contrast that allows the red to read vividly. Dark backgrounds in charcoal and black create a more dramatic arrangement where the red blade reads as an intense point of color against a dark ground. Avoid displaying against orange, pink, or other warm-toned backgrounds that would visually blend with or diminish the red blade's color impact. For lighting, directed warm-white spotlighting enhances the depth and richness of the red treatment, while cool lighting can make the red appear more orange or muted than it actually is. The katana's curved blade profile means the sword creates a dynamic visual arc in the display, and this arc reads especially dramatically in red against a contrasting background.