Explore our exclusive collection of Tosogu, meticulously crafted adornments that complement Japanese swords. From exquisite Fuchi/Kashira to detailed Menuki and stunning Kojiri, each piece is a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship. Our Tosogu not only add aesthetic beauty to swords but also reflect the rich history and tradition of Japanese culture. Each of these adornments has been carefully selected for its quality and authenticity, available in a variety of styles and designs to meet the most discerning tastes. Whether you’re looking to enhance the beauty of your existing sword or add a touch of elegance to your collection, our Tosogu is the perfect choice. Discover the elegance and artistry of Japanese sword adornments with our collection of Tosogu, where tradition and beauty come together in every detail.
A tsuba is a handguard fitted on a Japanese sword, typically between the handle (tsuka) and the blade (tsuka). Its primary function is to protect the hand of the wielder from sliding onto the sharp edge of the blade during combat or while handling the sword. Tsuba come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, and they are often made from metal, such as iron, brass, or bronze, but can also be crafted from other materials like wood or even precious metals.
In addition to its protective function, the tsuba is also an essential aesthetic component of the sword. It serves as a canvas for intricate designs, engravings, and embellishments, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of its maker.
Tsuba designs can vary widely, ranging from simple and understated patterns to elaborate scenes from nature, mythology, or historical events.
Tsuba are highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese swords (katana, wakizashi, and tanto) for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and artistic beauty. They are often studied and appreciated as standalone works of art, independent of the swords they were originally attached to.
Functionally, menuki provide additional grip and stability to the sword by filling the space between the handle core and the wrapping, helping to prevent the wrapping from shifting during use. This contributes to the overall comfort and control of the sword for the wielder.
Aesthetically, menuki are crafted with intricate designs and motifs, often reflecting themes from nature, mythology, or Japanese culture. They can be made from various materials, including metal (such as copper, brass, or silver), ivory, or other materials. Menuki are considered an integral part of the sword’s decoration and are often matched with other fittings like the tsuba (handguard) and fuchi-kashira (collar and pommel).
Menuki play a significant role in the overall aesthetic appeal of Japanese swords and are appreciated for their craftsmanship, detail, and symbolic meaning. They are also important for identifying the style and provenance of a particular sword or swordsmith.
A fuchi-kashira is a pair of sword fittings used in traditional Japanese sword mounting (koshirae). They are located at either end of the handle (tsuka) and serve both functional and decorative purposes.
- Fuchi: The fuchi is the collar or sleeve that sits at the base of the handle, adjacent to the guard (tsuba). It acts as a decorative and protective piece, covering the junction between the handle and the guard. The fuchi is typically made of metal and can feature various designs and motifs, often matching the theme of other sword fittings such as the menuki and tsuba.
- Kashira: The kashira is the pommel or end cap of the sword handle, located at the opposite end from the guard (tsuba). It serves to secure the wrapping (tsukamaki) of the handle and provides a counterbalance to the weight of the blade. Like the fuchi, the kashira is also typically made of metal and can be adorned with intricate designs or patterns to complement the overall aesthetic of the sword.
Together, the fuchi and kashira form a coordinated pair of fittings that contribute to the visual appeal and functionality of the sword handle. They are crafted with attention to detail and can vary widely in design, material, and craftsmanship, reflecting the individual style of the sword maker or the preferences of the sword owner.
A kojiri is a metal fitting found at the end of the scabbard (saya) of a Japanese sword, such as a katana or wakizashi. Its primary function is to protect the tip of the scabbard from wear and damage, as well as to provide a finished and aesthetically pleasing appearance to the saya.
The kojiri is typically made of metal, such as brass or iron, and is often adorned with decorative motifs or patterns that complement the overall design of the sword. It is attached to the saya with small nails or pins and is positioned at the kurikata end, which is the bottom part of the scabbard when the sword is sheathed.
While the primary purpose of the kojiri is functional, it also serves as a decorative element that adds to the overall visual appeal of the sword and saya. Like other fittings on Japanese swords, such as the tsuba, fuchi-kashira, and menuki, the design and craftsmanship of the kojiri can vary widely depending on the style, period, and individual preferences of the sword maker or owner.
A kogatana and kogai are both traditional Japanese sword accessories that were commonly carried by samurai as part of their attire.
- Kogatana: A kogatana is a small utility knife or dagger that was typically carried by samurai as part of their sword mounting (koshirae). It was stored in a slot within the sword scabbard (saya), often alongside another accessory called a kozuka. The kogatana served various purposes, including cutting ropes, carving, or as a last-resort self-defense tool. Kogatanas were usually small in size, with a blade length ranging from a few inches to several inches, and they were often decorated with intricate designs or patterns.
- Kogai: A kogai is a decorative hairpin or skewer that was worn by samurai as part of their traditional attire. It was typically inserted into the hair or the topknot (chonmage) worn by samurai, serving both a functional and ornamental purpose. While primarily used for styling the hair, the kogai could also be utilized as a makeshift weapon in self-defense situations. Kogai were often elaborately decorated with various motifs, such as floral patterns, dragons, or symbols of good fortune, and they were made from materials
such as iron, copper or silver.
Both the kogatana and kogai were essential accessories for samurai, reflecting not only their practical needs but also their social status and aesthetic sensibilities.
Today, they are highly valued as historical artifacts and are often collected by enthusiasts of Japanese swords and traditional Japanese culture.