What is the floral design on the black saya?

The 29.5-inch matte black hardwood saya features hand-painted white floral artwork including cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, and botanical vine patterns running along the upper portion. A black sageo cord ties at the kurikata for a clean, unified look.

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.

How is the gray saya constructed and finished?

The saya is built from hardwood and finished with premium natural lacquer in gray. Brown cord wraps run at even intervals along the body, and a black sageo is attached at the koiguchi. The three-color combination - gray lacquer, brown wrap, black sageo - gives this scabbard a layered, deliberate aesthetic.

How should I store a lacquered saya long-term?

Lacquered saya are sensitive to two environmental factors: direct UV exposure and rapid humidity fluctuation. UV light causes lacquer pigments to fade and can make the finish brittle over time, so display cases with UV-filtering glass or wall positions away from direct sunlight are strongly preferred. Humidity swings - especially in climates where heated indoor air becomes very dry in winter - cause the wood beneath the lacquer to expand and contract, eventually lifting or cracking the finish at seams and along the koiguchi opening. Storing or displaying the saya in a room maintained between 40-60% relative humidity eliminates most of this risk. If the saya will be stored rather than displayed, wrapping it loosely in acid-free tissue inside a wooden or cardboard box (not airtight plastic) allows the wood to breathe while protecting the surface from dust and accidental contact.

What is the carved crest design on the rosewood saya?

Updated Feb 2026

The saya features a circular mon crest with a floral arabesque motif carved directly into the rosewood surface. Black buffalo horn koiguchi and kojiri fittings cap both ends, adding contrast against the natural red-toned wood finish.