Japanese Sword Mountings

Japanese sword mountings are the various housings and associated fittings ('' tosogu'') that hold the blade of a Japanese sword when it is being worn or stored. refers to the ornate mountings of a Japanese sword (e.g. '' katana'') used when the sword blade is being worn by its owner, whereas the '' shirasaya'' is a plain undecorated wooden mounting composed of a '' saya'' and '' tsuka'' that the sword blade is stored in when not being used.

Components

*: The '' fuchi'' is a hilt collar between the '' tsuka'' and the '' tsuba''.
*: The '' habaki'' is a wedge-shaped metal collar used to keep the sword from falling out of the '' saya'' and to support the fittings below; fitted at the ''ha-machi'' and ''mune-machi'' which precede the '' nakago''.
*: a hook shaped fitting used to lock the ''saya'' to the '' obi'' while drawing.
*: The ''kashira'' is a butt cap (or pommel) on the end of the ''tsuka''.
*: The '' kōgai'' is a spike for hair arranging carried sometimes as part of katana-koshirae in another pocket.
*: The '' koiguchi'' is the mouth of the ''saya'' or its fitting; traditionally made of buffalo horn.
*: The '' kojiri'' is the end of the ''saya'' or the protective fitting at the end of the ''saya''; also traditionally made of buffalo horn.
*: The '' kozuka'' is a decorative handle fitting for the ''kogatana''; a small utility knife fit into a pocket on the ''saya''.
*: The '' kuri-kata'' is a knob on the side of the ''saya'' for attaching the ''sageo''.
*: The '' mekugi'' is a small peg for securing the ''tsuka'' to the ''nakago''.
*: The '' menuki'' are ornaments on the ''tsuka'' (generally under the tsuka-ito); Originally menuki were a cover for the mekugi to hold the peg/s in place. On Tachi worn edge down orientation at palm to orient the sword. On Katana orientation is at fingertips to orient the sword.
*: The '' mekugi-ana'' are the holes in the ''tsuka'' and ''nakago'' for the ''mekugi''.
*: The ''sageo'' is the cord used to tie ''saya'' to the belt/obi when worn.
*: literally the pattern of the ray skin.
*: '' same-kawa'' is the ray or shark skin wrapping of the ''tsuka '' (handle/hilt).
*: The '' saya'' is a wooden scabbard for the blade; traditionally done in lacquered wood.
*: The '' seppa'' are washers above and below the ''tsuba'' to tighten the fittings.
*: an accent on the ''kurikata'' for aesthetic purposes; often done in gold-ish metal in modern reproductions.
*: The '' tsuba'' is a hand guard.
*: The '' tsuka'' is the hilt or handle; made of wood and wrapped in ''samegawa''.
*: the art of wrapping the ''tsuka'', including the most common ''hineri maki'' and ''katate maki'' (battle wrap). There are also more elaborate and artistic wrapping techniques, like '' Jabara maki''.
*: '' Tsuka-ito'' the wrap of the ''tsuka'', traditionally silk but today most often in cotton and sometimes leather

File:黒蝋色塗鞘大小拵, Black Waxed Scabbards with Sword Fittings.jpg, Two antique ''koshirae'', '' katana'' (top), '' wakizashi'' (bottom), in the form of a '' daishō'' (matched set). Edo period, 19th century. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.
File:Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi) 2.jpg, Wakizashi mounting decorated with images of old coins. 1800s. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
File:倶利伽羅龍図三所物 後藤顕乗, Kogai, kozuka, and menuki made by Gotō Kenjō.jpg, Kōgai (bottom), kozuka (top right), and menuki (top left) made by Gotō Kenjō. Early Edo period. Designated as Special Important Fitting by NBTHK.
File:松樹尾長鳥図大小鍔 石黒政美, Tsuba and fuchigashira made by Ishiguro Masayoshi.jpg, Fuchigashira (top) and tsuba (bottom) made by Ishiguro Masayoshi. Late Edo period. Designated as Special Important Fitting by NBTHK.
File:藻鯉図鐔, Sword Guard (Tsuba) with the Carp and Seaweed Motif.jpg, Tsuba with the Koi and Seaweed Motif, made by Kansai, Edo period, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
File:Pair of Sword Guards (Tsuba).jpg, A tsuba created by Sunagawa Masayoshi. 1800s. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

''Shirasaya''

A , "white scabbard", is a plain wooden Japanese sword ''saya'' ( scabbard) and ''tsuka'' (hilt), traditionally made of nurizaya wood and used when a blade was not expected to see use for some time and needed to be stored. They were externally featureless save for the needed ''mekugi-ana'' to secure the ''nakago'' ( tang), though sometimes (blade information) was also present. The need for specialized storage is because prolonged '' koshirae'' mounting harmed the blade, owing to factors such as the lacquered wood retaining moisture and encouraging corrosion.

Such mountings are not intended for actual combat, as the lack of a '' tsuba'' (guard) and proper handle wrappings were deleterious; as such they would likely never make their way onto a battlefield. However, there have been loosely similar "hidden" mountings, such as the '' shikomizue''. Also, many blades dating back to earlier Japanese history are today sold in such a format, along with modern-day reproductions; while most are purely decorative replicas, a few have functional blades.

''Shirasaya'' gallery

File:Daisho set of shirasaya.jpg, A ''daisho'' set of Japanese sword storage mounts (''shirasaya'') for ''katana'' (top) and ''wakizashi'' (bottom).
File:Saya-bois.jpg, A typical ''shirasaya'' with (attribution or appraisal written on a ''shirasaya'')
File:Naginata shirasaya.jpg, ''Naginata shirasaya''
File:Yari tanto shirasaya.JPG, ''Tanto shirasaya''
File:Wakizashi 2.JPG, ''Wakizashi'' mounted in ''shirasaya''
File:Yari shirasaya.JPG, ''Yari shirasaya''

''Koshirae''

The word ''koshirae'' is derived from the verb , which is no longer used in current speech. More commonly "tsukuru" is used in its place with both words meaning to "make, create, manufacture." A more accurate word is , meaning sword-furniture, where are the parts of the mounting in general, and "kanagu" stands for those made of metal. are the "outer" mountings, as opposed to , the "body" of the sword.

A ''koshirae'' should be presented with the ''tsuka'' (hilt) to the left, particularly in times of peace with the reason being that you cannot unsheathe the sword easily this way. During the Edo period, many formalized rules were put into place: in times of war the hilt should be presented to the right allowing the sword to be readily unsheathed.

Koshirae were meant not only for functional but also for aesthetic purposes, often using a family ''mon'' ( crest) for identification.

Types of ''koshirae''

''Tachi''

The ''tachi'' (太刀) style ''koshirae'' is the primary style of mounting used for the '' tachi'', where the sword is suspended edge-down from two hangers (''ashi'') attached to the '' obi''. The hilt often had a slightly stronger curvature than the blade, continuing the classic ''tachi'' increase in curvature going from the tip to the hilt. The hilt was usually secured with two pegs ''(mekugi)'', as compared to one peg for shorter blades including '' katana''. The ''tachi'' style ''koshirae'' preceded the ''katana'' style ''koshirae''.

''Katana''

The ''katana'' (刀) style ''koshirae'' is the most commonly known ''koshirae'' and it is what is most associated with a ''samurai'' sword. Swords mounted in this manner are worn with the cutting edge up as opposed to the ''tachi'' mounting, in which the sword is worn with the cutting edge down.

''Han-dachi'' (half ''tachi'')

The ''han-dachi'' (半太刀) ''koshirae'' was worn ''katana''-style but included some ''tachi'' related fittings such as a ''kabuto-gane'' instead of a ''kashira''.

''Aikuchi''

The is a form of ''koshirae'' for small swords in which the hilt and the scabbard meet without a crossguard between them.
''The Japanese sword'',Kanzan Satō, Kodansha International, May 30, 1983 P.196 The word literally means ''ai'' ("meeting") + ''kuchi'' ("mouth; opening"), in reference to the way the hilt fits directly against the scabbard. Originally used on the koshigatana (a precursor to the wakizashi) to facilitate close wearing with armour, it became a fashionable upper-class mounting style for a '' tantō'' (literally, "small sword", nowadays regarded as a dagger) from the Kamakura period onwards.

''Shikomizue''

The or ''jotō'' (杖刀, "staff sword") is a Japanese swordstick. It is most famous for its use by the fictional swordmaster Zatoichi.
The sword blade was placed in a cane-like mounting (''tsue'') as concealment. These mountings are not to be confused with the Shirasaya (白鞘, "white scabbard"), which were just plain wooden mountings with no decoration other than (sometimes) a short description of the contents.

Some ''shikomi-zue'' also concealed '' metsubushi'', chains, hooks, and many other things. ''Shikomi-zue'' could be carried in public without arousing suspicion, making them perfect tools for ''shinobi''.

''Kaiken''

The '' kaiken'' (懐剣) is an 8–10 inch long, single- or double-edged dagger without ornamental fittings housed in a plain mount, formerly carried by men and women of the samurai class in Japan. It was useful for self-defense indoors where the long '' katana'' and intermediate '' wakizashi'' were inconvenient. Women carried them in their kimono either in a pocket like fold or in the sleeve for self-defense or for suicide by means of slashing the jugular veins and carotid artery in the left side of the neck.

''Koshirae'' gallery

File:Tanto-baroque-p1000709.jpg, '' Tantō'' mounted in ''aikuchi'' style ''koshirae''
File:Shikomizue koshirae.jpg, ''Shikomizue koshirae''
File:Tachi-p1000618.jpg, ''Tachi'' and ''tachi koshirae''
File:Kaiken or kwaiken tanto.jpg, ''Kaiken (kwaiken) tanto''
File:Edo period Wakizashi.jpg, ''Wakizashi koshirae''
File:Kawabe Masahide II - Dagger with Cherry Blossoms - Walters 511184.jpg, ''Tanto koshirae''

Parts of the ''koshirae''

''Saya''

is the Japanese term for a scabbard, and specifically refers to the scabbard for a sword or knife. The saya of a koshirae (scabbards for practical use) are normally manufactured from very lightweight wood, with a coat of lacquer on the exterior. Correct drawing and sheathing of the blade involves contacting the mune (the back of the blade) rather than ha (the edge) to the inside of the scabbard. The saya also has a on one side for attaching a braided cord (''sageo''), and may have a shitodome (mounting loop) to accent the as well as an made from metal. Traditionally the koiguchi (the throat of the scabbard) and kojiri (the chape) were made from buffalo horn.

File:Katana saya 2.jpg, ''Katana saya''
File:Naginata saya.JPG, ''Naginata saya''
File:Tanto saya.jpg, ''Tanto saya''
File:Wakizashi saya.jpg, ''Wakizashi saya''

The ''Saya'' is divided in parts:
* Sageo
A is a hanging cord made of silk, cotton or leather that is passed through the hole in the (栗形) of a Japanese sword's '' saya''. There are a number of different methods for wrapping and tying the sageo on the '' saya'' for display purposes. Other uses for the sageo are tying the sword to the samurai and hojojutsu. The samurai felt the sageo formed a spiritual bond between them and the sword, and they were very particular about tying it correctly when the sword was not in use.

File:Katô Jûkashichi - Dagger with Quail Amidst Rice Stalks - Walters 511166.jpg
File:Daisho sageo.jpg, A matched set (''daisho'') of ''sageo''
File:Kurikata and sageo 2.JPG

* ''Kuri-kata''
The ''kurikata'' (栗形) is a knob that is attached to the scabbard of a Japanese sword. The ''sageo'' (cord) that secures the ''saya'' of the sword to the ''obi'' (belt) goes through a hole in the ''kurikata''.

File:Kurikata and sageo.JPG
File:Kurikata and sageo 1.JPG
File:Japanese - Kurikata of a Rabbit - Walters 511132.jpg
File:Masaharu - Kurikata with Plum Blossoms - Walters 51915 - Top.jpg
File:Masaharu - Kurikata with Plum Blossoms - Walters 51915 - Back.jpg

* ''Kojiri''
The ''kojiri'' (鐺) is the end cap of the scabbard or the protective fitting at the end of the scabbard.

File:Kojiri.JPG
File:Kojiri 1.JPG
File:Jutte kojiri.jpg
File:Japanese - Kojiri with Bukan - Walters 511134.jpg
File:Japanese - Kojiri with Cricket and Cockroach - Walters 511135.jpg

* ''Kogatana'' and ''kozuka''
''Kogatana'' (小刀), a small utility knife that fits into a pocket on the scabbard, the ''kozuka'' is the decorative handle for the ''kogatana''.

File:Yari tanto aikuchi koshirae.JPG,
File:Kozuka.JPG,
File:Japanese - Kozuka with Waves - Walters 5112863.jpg
File:Japanese - Kozuka with Phoenix - Walters 5112024.jpg
File:Japanese - Kozuka with a Hollyhock Creast - Walters 5111884.jpg

* kōgai
The ''kōgai'' (笄) is a spike for hair arranging that fits into a pocket on the ''saya''.

File:Koshirae with kogai.jpg, ''Tanto koshirae'' showing a ''kōgai'' in its pocket
File:Okada Setsuga - Kogai with Birds in Flight - Walters 5112914.jpg
File:Gotô Mitsunobu - Kogai with Chinese-style Lions - Walters 5112555.jpg
File:Unno Moritoshi - Kogai with Autumn Flowers - Walters 5111934.jpg
File:Japanese - Kogai with Dragon in Clouds - Walters 5112155.jpg

* ''Umabari''
The ''umabari'' (馬針) is a small knife that is a variation of the ''kogatana'', it fits into a pocket on the ''saya''.

File:Irie Sadayoshi - Umabari with Bird and Waves - Walters 5112943.jpg
File:Japanese - Umabari with Waves - Walters 5112114.jpg
File:Japanese - Umabari with Waves and Clouds - Walters 5112125.jpg
File:Hagiya Katsuhira - Umabari with Waterfall - Walters 5112054.jpg
File:Japanese - Umabari with Plum Blossoms - Walters 5111614.jpg

''Tsuka''

The ''tsuka'' (柄) is the hilt or handle of a Japanese sword.

File:Daisho tsuka.jpg, Two tsuka ''katana'' (top), ''wakizashi'' (bottom) in the form of a ''daisho'' (matched set)
File:Tsuka.jpg, ''Katana tsuka''
File:Antique Japanese (samurai) tachi tsuka.jpg, ''Tachi tsuka''
File:Tsuka and mekugi.JPG, ''Wakizashi tsuka''
File:Japanese - Tsuka with Gentian Crests - Walters 5112673.jpg, ''Tsuka'' constructed as a single piece and does not have individual separate ''fuchi'', ''kashira'', and ''menuki''

The ''tsuka'' is divided in the following parts:
* Menuki
The ''menuki'' (目貫) are ornaments on the ''tsuka'' (generally under the ''tsuka-ito''); to fit into the palm for grip.

File:Japanese - Tsuka with Dragons - Walters 5112313B - Back.jpg
File:Japanese - Tsuka with Catfish Menuki - Walters 5111453B.jpg
File:Ishiguro Koreyoshi - Tsuka with Frog, Lotus Blossom and Geese - Walters 5112872b - Back.jpg, ''Tsuka'' with a ''menuki'' in the shape of standing goose with bamboo
File:Menuki.jpg
File:Japanese - Menuki with Horse and Rider - Walters 511440.jpg, ''Menuki'' with horse and rider

* ''Samegawa''
''Samegawa'' (鮫皮) is the ray skin used to cover or wrap the handle.

File:Japanese - Tsuka with Fudô Myô-ô and Kongara Dôji - Walters 5112232B.jpg
File:Tsuka same' 1.JPG, ''Tsuka'' showing the ''samegawa''
File:Tsuka (tanto).jpg, ''Tanto tsuka'' showing the ''samegawa''
File:Japanese - Tsuka with Ferns - Walters 5112162B.jpg
File:Antique Japanese tachi tsuka 1.jpg

* ''Tsuka-ito''
''Tsuka-ito'' (柄糸) is the wrapping of the ''tsuka'', traditionally silk but today more often cotton and sometimes, leather.

Kashira and tsuka-ito.JPG
File:Tsuka 3.JPG
File:Tsuka.JPG
File:Japanese - Tsuka with Menuki of Mounted Riders - Walters 5112153B.jpg
File:Japanese - Tsuka with Paulownia Menuki and Silk - Walters 5111723B.jpg

* ''Fuchi''
''Fuchi'' (縁), a cap type collar or ferrule which covers the opening in the ''tsuka'' of a Japanese sword. The tang of the sword goes into the ''tsuka'' through the opening in the ''fuchi''.

File:Fuchi, koiguchi and tsuka-ito.JPG, ''Katana fuchi''
File:Daisho fuchi.jpg, A ''daisho'' pair of ''fuchi''
File:Fuchi 1.JPG
File:Akihiro - Fuchi with Dragon and Jewel - Walters 5112013A.jpg, ''Fuchi'' with dragon
File:Hagiya Katsuhira - Fuchi with Crouching Lions - Walters 5112052.jpg, ''Fuchi'' with crouching lions

* ''Kashira''
The ''kashira'' (頭) is the end cap (pommel) on the ''tsuka''.

File:Kashira 1.JPG, ''Katana kashira''
File:Daisho kashira 1.jpg, ''Daisho kashira'', ''wakizashi'' and ''katana''
File:Hamano Masayoshi - Kashira with Samurai - Walters 511037.jpg, ''Kashira'' with ''samurai''
File:Hironao - Kashira with Herons and Reeds - Walters 51929.jpg, ''Kashira'' with herons and reeds
File:Japanese - Tsuka with Chrysanthemums - Walters 5112283B - Detail A.jpg

''Tsuba''

The is usually a round (or occasionally squarish) guard at the end of the grip of bladed Japanese weapons, like the '' katana'' and its variations, '' tachi'', '' wakizashi'', '' tantō'', '' naginata'' etc. They contribute to the balance of the weapon and to the protection of the hand. The ''tsuba'' was mostly meant to be used to prevent the hand from sliding onto the blade during thrusts as opposed to protecting from an opponent's blade. The ''chudan no kamae'' guard is determined by the ''tsuba'' and the curvature of the blade. The diameter of the average ''katana'' ''tsuba'' is , ''wakizashi'' ''tsuba'' is , and ''tantō'' ''tsuba'' is .

During the Muromachi period (1333–1573) and the Momoyama period (1573–1603) ''Tsuba'' were more for functionality than for decoration, being made of stronger metals and designs. During the Edo period (1603–1868) there was peace in Japan so ''tsuba'' became more ornamental and made of less practical metals such as gold.

''Tsuba'' are usually finely decorated, and nowadays are collectors' items. ''Tsuba'' were made by whole dynasties of craftsmen whose only craft was making ''tsuba''. They were usually lavishly decorated. In addition to being collectors items, they were often used as heirlooms, passed from one generation to the next. Japanese families with samurai roots sometimes have their family crest (mon) crafted onto a ''tsuba''. ''Tsuba'' can be found in a variety of metals and alloys, including iron, steel, brass, copper and '' shakudō''.
In a duel, two participants may lock their katana together at the point of the ''tsuba'' and push, trying to gain a better position from which to strike the other down. This is known as ''tsubazeriai'' (鍔迫り合い), lit. pushing ''tsuba'' against each other. ''Tsubazeriai'' is a common sight in modern '' kendō''.

In modern Japanese, ''tsubazeriai'' (鍔迫り合い) has also come to mean "to be in fierce competition."

File:Sword Guard (Tsuba) MET 29.100.1011 002feb2014.jpg, A tsuba carved with a sika deer made by Fujiwara Toshiyoshi. 1800s. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
File:寿老人図鍔 安親, Tsuba made by Yasuchika.jpg, Tsuba made by Tsuchiya Yasuchika. Mid-Edo period. Designated as Special Important Fitting by NBTHK.
File:土蜘蛛退治図鐔 Tsuba with design of Minamoto no Yorimitsu confronting the Tsuchigumo.jpg, Two tsuba depicting Minamoto no Yorimitsu trying to cut a tsuchigumo with a tachi named 'Hizamaru'. made by Unnno Yoshimori I (left), Gochiku Sadakatsu (right). Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
File:Japanese - Tsuba with a Frog in a Lotus Pond - Walters 51177 - Back.jpg, Lotus pond
File:Japanese - Tsuba with Autumn Flowers - Walters 51294 - Back.jpg, ''Tsuba'' with autumn flowers
File:Tamagawa Masaharu - Tsuba with a Monkey Teasing an Elephant with a Stick - Walters 51281.jpg, ''Tsuba'' with a monkey teasing an elephant with a stick
File:Japanese_-_Tsuba_with_a_Dragonfly_-_Walters_51254.jpg, ''Tsuba'' with dragonfly in '' shibuichi''

''Seppa''

The ''seppa'' (切羽) are washers used in front of and behind the ''tsuba'' to tighten the fittings. ''Seppa'' can be ornate or plain.

File:Ken tanto tsuba and seppa.JPG, ''Tantō tsuba'' and two ''seppa''
File:Tsuba and seppa 1.JPG, ''Tantō tsuba'' and two ''seppa''
File:Yari tanto tsuba seppa and nakago.JPG, ''Yari tantō tsuba'' and two ''seppa''
File:Tsuba and seppa.JPG, ''Tsuba'' and two ''seppa''
File:Mekugi tsuba and seppa.JPG, ''Wakizashi tsuba'' and a single ''seppa''

''Habaki''

The is a piece of metal encircling the base of the blade of a Japanese sword. It has the double purpose of locking the '' tsuba'' (guard) in place, and to maintain the weapon in its '' saya'' (scabbard).

The importance of the ''habaki'' is seen in drawing the katana from the scabbard. It is drawn by grasping the scabbard near the top and pressing the guard with the thumb to emerge the blade just enough to unwedge the ''habaki'' from inside the scabbard in a process called . The blade, being freed, can be drawn out very quickly. This is known as , , or . This is obviously an extremely aggressive gesture, since a fatal cut can be given in a fraction of a second thereafter (see '' iaidō''). It is similar in connotation and effect as drawing back the hammer of a handgun, chambering a round on a pump-action shotgun, or pulling back and releasing the charging handle on other firearms.

The expression "''tanka o kiru''" is now widely used in Japan, in the sense of "getting ready to begin something", or "getting ready to speak", especially with an aggressive connotation.

The ''habaki'' will cause normal wear and tear inside the scabbard, and either a shim or a total replacement of the scabbard may be needed to remedy the issue as it will become too loose over time. Removing the ''habaki'' and oiling it after cutting or once every few months is recommended.

File:Habaki de Tsuneharu Matsuda - 2016-04-19.jpg, A ''habaki'' in gold
File:Habaki, mekugi-ana.jpg, It is first inserted on the blade
File:Naginata habaki and tsuba.jpg, Then the '' tsuba'' is inserted too
File:Daisho habaki.jpg, A pair of '' daishō'' with silver ''habaki''

See also

* List of National Treasures of Japan (crafts-swords)
* ''Tsuba'' in the collection of Wolverhampton Art Gallery, England

Notes

References

*

Further reading

* ''The Craft of the Japanese Sword'', Leon and Hiroko Kapp, Yoshindo Yoshihara ; Kodansha International;
* ''The Samurai Sword: A Handbook'', John M. Yumoto ; Charles E. Tuttle Company;
* ''The Japanese Sword'', Kanzan Sato ; Kodansha International;
* ''Japanese Swords'', Nobuo Ogasawara ; Hoikusha Publishing Co, Ltd.

External links

History of the Development of Koshirae

Martial Arts Weapons and Training
– The Sageo and How to Wear Your Katana


– Step by step guide to tying a Sageo (photos).


– Step by step guide to tying a Sageo (photos).
TakumiWarrior Sword Shop
– Exploration of Japanese Tsuba Designs (photos).

{{DEFAULTSORT:Japanese Sword Mountings
Mountings
Samurai weapons and equipment