Z-SEY Cherry Blossom Koshirae Maru Katana

Noble and graceful, this Z-sey katana has a shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from crucible steel, giving the blade an appearance similar to tamahagane blades. Constructed in the maru style, the blade’s difference in hardness between edge and spine is achieved through differential heat treatment and clay tempering, a process which also yields a stunning Mount Fuji-style hamon (mimicking the silhouette of Japan’s Mount Fuji), one of the picturesque hamons that became very fashionable from the Genroku era (1688 - 1704 CE) onward. Traditional sashikomi polishing brings to life the jihada and hamon, maximizing the katana’s aesthetic appeal. 

This katana’s blackened iron maru gata (round) tsuba, as well as blackened brass fuchi and kashira with gold accents feature cherry blossom motifs, reminding warriors of the transience of life, resilience, and to bloom brilliantly before death. Red copper seppa and habaki, along with gold-toned brass menuki, beautifully complement the sword’s design. 

Following tradition, one mekugi secures the nakago within the wooden handmade Haichi style tsuka covered using white samegawa with a normal emperor node. The tightly wrapped tsukamaki uses Japanese silk ito for a refined and comfortable grip. High quality hishigami (folded paper wedges) additions beneath the wrap help to anchor the ito in place while adding volume, ensuring the grip is solid and durable. 

The black ishime (stone-textured) oil lacquered saya is fitted with horn koiguchi, kurigata, and kojiri, as well as a brass shitodome and Japanese silk sageo.