Sekigahara katana with dark blue saya

Sekigahara decorative katana with dark blue saya

Samurai decoration in an antique silver finish

The hilt has an ABS plastic core with a non-slip textured relief imitating traditional rayskin, covered by dark cotton wrapping. Decorative menuki are visible between sections of the crossed wrap. Another prominent feature is the metal fitting around the central section of the grip, decorated with a raised samurai scene.

The circular tsuba is an elaborate openwork composition depicting samurai on a battlefield. Antique-silver-coloured decoration continues across the fuchi and kashira. The kashira depicts a samurai wielding his sword in battle. The tsuba, kashira and menuki are made from Zamak, an alloy of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper.

Sharp blade with a decorative hamon

The gently curved blade is made from AISI 440 stainless steel and has a sharp edge. A wavy line runs beside the cutting edge to imitate the appearance of a hamon. On this model, however, it is not the visible result of traditional differential hardening. The effect is created by contrasting matt and polished surface finishes.

The saya is made from bamboo wood and has a smooth, glossy dark blue lacquered finish, complemented by a dark sageo cord. The overall design therefore combines deep blue lacquer, dark hilt wrapping, pale sections visible beneath the wrap and richly decorated metal fittings with an antique silver appearance.

The katana in Japanese history

The katana is one of the best-known forms of Japanese sword. Its classic form developed in medieval and early modern Japan and became particularly closely associated with the samurai of the Sengoku and Edo periods. By the late 16th century and throughout the Edo period, the katana was characteristically worn through the obi with its edge facing upwards. Together with the shorter wakizashi, it formed the daishō, the paired swords that became a distinctive symbol of samurai status.

Historical Japanese swords were more than weapons. Their tsuba, menuki, fuchi and kashira provided highly skilled metalworkers with surfaces for elaborate artistic decoration. Subjects ranged from warriors and animals to plants, legends and religious imagery. The richly decorated fittings of this ornamental katana freely evoke that artistic tradition.

Why the name Sekigahara

Sekigahara recalls the battle fought in 1600 between major coalitions of Japanese daimyō. The victory of the side led by Tokugawa Ieyasu contributed substantially to his subsequent rise and the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603. We chose the name because of the prominent battlefield scenes featuring samurai on the sword's fittings. It does not mean that this product reproduces a particular sword used at Sekigahara.

Technical specifications

All stated dimensions and weights are approximate and may vary slightly between individual pieces.

Care and safety

This katana is decorative and is not intended for test cutting, sword training, contact combat or striking objects. Nevertheless, its blade is sharp and capable of causing serious or fatal injury. Always treat it as a sharp object, never point or swing it towards another person, and do not handle it close to bystanders. Any handling of the sharp blade is entirely at your own risk. Keep the sword securely stored and out of the reach of children.

After handling, wipe the blade with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and moisture. Store the katana in dry conditions. Do not use abrasive cleaners on the lacquered saya or decorative fittings. When returning the blade to the saya, move slowly and under full control to avoid damaging the edge or scabbard and to reduce the risk of injury.

Recommended accessories

For secure display, we recommend a stable katana stand. To create a presentation inspired by the 16th and 17th centuries, you can complement it with a decorative wakizashi, Japanese armour, a kabuto or other objects associated with samurai culture. A soft cloth and a product suitable for lightly protecting steel blades are also useful for routine care.