Folded Melaleuca Steel Katana with Hand-Painted Floral Saya - Gold Dragon Tsuba, Black Wrap

The blade on this katana is forged from folded melaleuca steel, a layering process that produces the distinctive flowing grain visible along the flat. A hand-finished hamon line traces the edge, catching light differently from the body of the blade and giving the steel its characteristic two-tone chrome appearance. At 40.55 inches overall, 1.259 inches wide, and 0.275 inches at the spine, it carries 2.8 lb. with solid balance. Collectors who want to explore the full range of Melaleuca Steel Japanese Samurai Swords will find this piece sits at the more ornate end of that category.

The tsuka is built over a full-tang construction and wrapped first in genuine white samegawa - real ray skin that provides tactile texture under the hand. Black ito cord is applied over it in the classic diamond-pattern wrap, creating a sharp contrast between the pale skin and dark cord. Menuki accents are set beneath the wrap at the traditional positions.

The tsuba is cast copper finished in gold tone, shaped as a rounded oval with openwork dragon relief. The coiled dragon motif is worked in fine detail on both faces, with the surrounding field cut through to create a lattice effect that keeps visual weight balanced. Fuchi and kashira collars carry complementary gold-tone finishing that ties the fitting set together.

The saya is the most visually striking element of this piece. Constructed from hardwood and finished in gloss black lacquer, its surface carries a hand-painted scene of red berries, white lily-like blossoms, and curling green stems rendered in a style that references classical Japanese lacquerware painting. The koiguchi mouth piece and kojiri end cap are fitted in real horn, adding durability and an authentic material contrast to the lacquered body. A black sageo cord is attached at the kurigata. This level of saya work is a defining trait across the broader Folded Katana Sword line.

Overall dimensions: 40.55 in. length, 1.259 in. width, 0.275 in. height, 2.8 lb. Package ships at 3.3 lb. in a 42.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 in. box. Sword stand is not included.