Japanese sword mountings

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File:Tachi koshirae (Tachi mountings), Edo period. 太刀拵, 江戸時代 2.jpg
Tachi mountings decorated with maki-e and metal carving. Itomaki-no-tachi style sword mountings. (top and bottom) Edo period, 1800s. Tokyo National Museum
File:黒蝋色塗鞘大小拵刀装具, Sword Fittings Tsuba, Fuchigashira, Menuki, Kozuka, Kogai.jpg
Sword fittings. Tsuba (top left) and fuchigashira (top right) made by Ishiguro Masayoshi in the 18th or 19th century. Kogai (middle) and kozuka (bottom) made by Yanagawa Naomasa in the 18th century, Edo period. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.

Japanese sword mountings are the various housings and associated fittings (tosogu)[1] that hold the blade of a Japanese sword when it is being worn or stored. Script error: No such module "Nihongo". 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

File:Japanese sword and koshirae glossary.jpg
A diagram of a katana and koshirae with components identified
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The fuchi is a hilt collar between the tsuka and the tsuba.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: 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.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: A hook-shaped fitting used to lock the saya to the obi while drawing.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The kashira is a butt cap (or pommel) on the end of the tsuka.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The kōgai is a spike for hair arranging carried sometimes as part of katana-koshirae in another pocket.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The koiguchi is the mouth of the saya or its fitting; traditionally made of buffalo horn.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The kojiri is the end of the saya or the protective fitting at the end of the saya; also traditionally made of buffalo horn.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The kozuka is a decorative handle fitting for the kogatana; a small utility knife fit into a pocket on the saya.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The kuri-kata is a knob on the side of the saya for attaching the sageo.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The mekugi is a small peg for securing the tsuka to the nakago.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The mekugi-ana are the holes in the tsuka and nakago for the mekugi.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: 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.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The sageo is the cord used to tie saya to the belt/obi when worn.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: Literally, the pattern of the ray skin.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: same-kawa is the ray or shark skin wrapping of the tsuka (handle/hilt).
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The saya is a wooden scabbard for the blade; traditionally of lacquered wood.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The seppa are washers above and below the tsuba to tighten the fittings.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: An accent on the kurikata for aesthetic purposes; often in gold-coloured metal on modern reproductions.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The tsuba is a hand guard.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The tsuka is the hilt or handle; made of wood and wrapped in samegawa.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: The wrapping on the tsuka, including the most common hineri-maki and katate-maki (battle wrap). There are also more elaborate and artistic wrapping techniques, such as Jabara maki.
  • Script error: No such module "Nihongo".: Tsuka-ito is the wraping cord of the tsuka, traditionally silk but today typically cotton and sometimes leather.

Shirasaya

A Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., "white scabbard",[2] is a plain wooden Japanese sword saya (scabbard) and tsuka (hilt), traditionally made of honoki (bigleaf magnolia) 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[3] to secure the nakago (tang), though sometimes Script error: No such module "lang". (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.[4]

Shirasaya gallery

Koshirae

File:Wakizashi Sword Mounting.jpg
Wakizashi koshirae (Wakizashi mounting). The metal parts are made by Goto Ichijo. Edo period. Tokyo National Museum.

The word koshirae is derived from the verb Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., 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 Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., meaning sword-furniture, where Script error: No such module "Nihongo". are the parts of the mounting in general, and "kanagu" stands for those made of metal. Script error: No such module "Nihongo". are the "outer" mountings, as opposed to Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., 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 one 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

File:金梨子地家紋散糸巻太刀拵 Tachi koshirae 2.jpg
Mounting for a sword of the itomaki no tachi type with design of mon (family crests). 1600s. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

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.[5] 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

File:蠟色塗鞘打刀拵／牡丹図鐔／牡丹図揃金具 加納夏雄作 Katana koshirae.jpg
Katana mounting with a polished black lacquer sheath, Edo period. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

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 Script error: No such module "Nihongo". koshirae was worn katana-style but included some tachi related fittings such as a kabuto-gane instead of a kashira.

Aikuchi

File:Aikuchi-J 06006-IMG 0911-white.jpg
Aikuchi, c. 1780

The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is a form of koshirae for small swords in which the hilt and the scabbard meet without a crossguard between them.[6] The word literally means ai ("meeting") + kuchi ("mouth; opening"), in reference to the way the hilt fits directly against the scabbard.[7][8] Originally used on the koshigatana (a precursor to the wakizashi) to facilitate close wearing with armour,[6][9] 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 Script error: No such module "Nihongo". or Script error: No such module "Nihongo".[10] 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.

According to Hatsumi Masaaki, 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. However, this is a debatable topic in koryu circles.

Kaiken

The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is an 8–10 inch long, single- or double-edged dagger[11] 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 [12] for self-defense or for suicide by means of slashing the jugular veins and carotid artery in the left side of the neck.[13][14]

Koshirae gallery

Parts of the koshirae

Saya

Script error: No such module "Nihongo". 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 Script error: No such module "Nihongo". on one side for attaching a braided cord (sageo), and may have a shitodome (mounting loop) to accent the Script error: No such module "lang". as well as an Script error: No such module "Nihongo". made from metal. Traditionally the koiguchi (the throat of the scabbard) and kojiri (the chape) were made from buffalo horn.

The Saya is divided in parts:

A Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is a hanging cord made of silk, cotton or leather that is passed through the hole in the Script error: No such module "Nihongo". 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.[15]

  • 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.

  • Kojiri

The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is the end cap of the scabbard or the protective fitting at the end of the scabbard.

  • 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.

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

The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is a small knife that is a variation of the kogatana. It fits into a pocket on the saya.

Tsuka

The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is the hilt or handle of a Japanese sword.

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.

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

  • Tsuka-ito

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

  • 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.

The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". is the end cap (pommel) on the tsuka.

Tsuba

The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". 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 Script error: No such module "convert"., wakizashi tsuba is Script error: No such module "convert"., and tantō tsuba is Script error: No such module "convert"..

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 Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. 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."

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.

Habaki

The Script error: No such module "Nihongo". 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 Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. The blade, being freed, can be drawn out very quickly. This is known as Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., Script error: No such module "Nihongo"., or Script error: No such module "Nihongo".. 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.

See also

Notes

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  1. ↑ The New Generation of Japanese Swordsmiths, Authors Tamio Tsuchiko, Kenji Mishina, Publisher Kodansha International, 2002, P.191&P.191 Template:ISBN
  2. ↑ In this context, "white" could be inferred as plain or undecorated.
  3. ↑ Holes in the hilt, meant for the mekugi (pegs) that secure the blade (See katana).
  4. ↑ Most manufacturers will note that such mountings are only meant for storage, display and transport purposes, not actual usage.
  5. ↑ [1] Art of the samurai: Japanese arms and armor, 1156–1868, Authors Morihiro Ogawa, Kazutoshi Harada, Publisher Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2009, Template:ISBN, Template:ISBN P.193
  6. ↑ a b [2] The Japanese sword,Kanzan Satō, Kodansha International, May 30, 1983 P.196
  7. ↑ 1988, Script error: No such module "Lang". (Kokugo Dai Jiten, Revised Edition) (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Shogakukan
  8. ↑ 2006, Script error: No such module "Lang". (Daijirin), Third Edition (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Sanseidō, Template:ISBN
  9. ↑ [3] Samurai: The Weapons and Spirit of the Japanese Warrior, Clive Sinclaire, Globe Pequot, Nov 1, 2004 P.88
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor: In All Countries and in All Times, George Cameron Stone, Courier Dover Publications, 1999, Template:ISBN, Template:ISBN. p. 405.
  12. ↑ Samurai: The Weapons and Spirit of the Japanese Warrior, Clive Sinclaire, Globe Pequot, Nov 1, 2004 P.88
  13. ↑ The complete encyclopedia of arms & weapons: the most comprehensive reference work ever published on arms and armor, Claude Blair, Publisher Bonanza Books, 1986, Template:ISBN, Template:ISBN P.306
  14. ↑ The sword book in Honchō gunkikō and The book of Samé, Kō hi sei gi of Inaba Tsūriō, Authors Hakuseki Arai, Tsūryū Inaba, Publisher C. E. Tuttle, 1963 P.42
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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References

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Further reading

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

External links

Template:Sister project

Template:Japanese (samurai) weapons, armour and equipment Template:Swords by region

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