Solid Wood Two-Tier Sword Stand

Solid Wood Two-Tier Sword Stand with Carved Dragon Motif

Presentation and Usage

This stand, called katanakake in Japanese, is designed as a table or shelf model. It consists of sturdy side pieces and a decorated crossbar. Assembly is very intuitive and quick. Thanks to the two tiers, you can place either a classic set of a long and short sword, or perhaps two Katanas or a Tanto. The light natural varnish allows the wood grain to stand out, which is a welcome change from the standard black lacquered stands.

When displaying swords, pay attention to etiquette and tradition. The sword should be placed in the stand in its scabbard (saya) with the cutting edge facing upwards. This protects the edge from dulling against the inside of the scabbard. The handle (tsuka) should standardly point to the left. This placement signals peace and friendly intentions, as it is more difficult and slower for a right-handed person to draw a sword with the handle on the left. If the handle were pointing to the right, it would express readiness for combat and hostility towards guests.

Symbolism and History

The dragon motif (Japanese Ryu) is one of the most common elements on samurai equipment. Unlike the Western concept of the dragon as a bloodthirsty beast, the Eastern dragon is seen as a benevolent protector, a bringer of luck, and a ruler of water elements. Having a dragon on your stand symbolically protects your household and your weapons.

Care and Maintenance

Since the stand is made of natural wood, it deserves gentle handling:

• Regularly wipe off dust with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
• Occasionally, you can revive the wood with high-quality furniture wax or beeswax polish.
• Do not expose the stand to direct sunlight or sources of radiant heat (radiators, fireplaces). The wood could warp, dry out, and crack.
• Avoid using aggressive chemical cleaners.

Specifications