Exhibition of Dismantled Parts of a Japanese Sword

○ Tsuka The Tsuka is the hilt. This part is wrapped with shark skin, and then a cord is wrapped around the shark skin, so that the hilt will not slip from the user’s hands. ○ Saya The Saya, usually wooden, is a scabbard for storing the sword. On the front side is a storage space for the kogai, and on the reverse is a space for the kozuka. ○ Kozuka and kogai: The kozuka is a pocket knife, the kogai is a tool for ear-picking and hair-arranging. ○ Tsuba Set between the tsuka and the saya, the tsuba functions as a guard for the user’s hands. Featuring chased designs and other features realized through excellent craftsmanship, the tsuba is worthy of its reputation as an artistic craftwork created with sophisticated taste. The names of tsuba vary depending on region, metal, and craftsperson, etc. For example, an Inaba Tsuba is a tsuba made in Tottori. ○ Seppa Seppa are thin metal plates set in both the front and the rear of the tsuba to prevent it from wobbling. ○ Menuki The menuki is a metal part for covering the mekugi, with which the blade and the tsuka are fixed. The menuki has gradually been developed into an independent ornament. ○ Fuchi and kashira The fuchi and kashira are set on the side of the saya on the tsuka, and on the side of the sword head on the tsuka, respectively. The fuchi and kashira form a pair of parts set at the ends of the tsuka. ○ Habaki The habaki is used to lock the blade into the saya, thus preventing the saya from coming off. This part is set between the blade and the nakago, the part to be locked into the tsuka.