Z-SEY Dragon Koshirae Katana (Juka Choji Hamon）

Combining both aesthetics and functionality, this lethal work of art has a shinogi zukuri (ridge line runs along the blade’s length on both sides) blade forged from Z-Sey’s improved smelted steel. The blade is then differentially heat treated and clay tempered to reveal an intricate juka choji (clustered clove buds) hamon accentuated through traditional sashikomi A++ polishing by hand. Performed by specialists using Japanese stones and oils, this highest level of polishing maximizes the details, depth, and contrast of the blade’s grain and temper line. 

As its name implies, the koshirae for this katana has intricate dragon and cloud motifs, as seen on the white copper fuchi and kashira. The Japanese dragon is a benevolent deity that controls the rains and tides, symbolizing good fortune, wisdom, and strength. Meanwhile, the constant shifting of clouds evokes the concept of impermanence and transformation. Together, the dragon moving through the clouds is set against an elaborate nanako (stippled) background.

Other fittings include an iron maru gata (round) sukashi (openwork) tsuba, sterling silver menuki featuring a dragon, nickel plated brass seppa, and white copper Yoko-Yasuri style habaki. 

The blade’s nakago is secured within the two halves of the wooden handmade Haichi style tsuka with a mekugi. White samegawa with a large emperor node covers the handle, providing friction for the tightly wrapped Japanese silk tsukamaki to prevent it from shifting. High quality hishigami (folded paper wedges) inserted beneath the ito act as internal molds for uniform hishigata (diamond gaps) and add volume to the handle, resulting in a solid and comfortable grip. 

Completing this masterpiece is an aogai mijin nuri (青貝微塵塗り) saya, finished in urushi lacquer with finely crushed iridescent shell, creating an appearance reminiscent of the starry night sky. It is fitted with horn koiguchi, kurigata, and kojiri, as well as white copper shitodome and Japanese silk sageo. 

**Note that choosing a handmade saya will increase the production time by about 2 months.**