The saya is the scabbard of a katana. In addition to the standard high-gloss and matt lacquer finish, there are various design types for the saya with different names. Here is an excerpt of the designs that we consider to be the most important:
Inro
Inro refers to a surface structure with rings between which there is a notch.
Curoro
The standard high-gloss finish is known as Kuroro. It looks classy and is therefore frequently found.
Ishime
Refers to a saya with a "drop-like" matt surface structure. This structure is recommended for swords that are frequently picked up, as fingerprints are barely visible on the surface, unlike normal, high-gloss lacquered sword sheaths. The term is also used for completely matt lacquer finishes.
Same / Han Same
This term is often used in connection with the sword hilt. But the seed can also be used on the saya. A distinction is made here as to whether the entire saya has been refined with seed or only part of it. If only a part is refined with seed, this is often referred to as han seed (translated: half seed).
Sendan / Han Sendan
This term refers to a ring-like surface structure that is created by processing rattan. As with the seed, only part of the scabbard can be designed in this way and is then often referred to as han sendan (half sendan).
Shirasaya
Strictly speaking, shirasaya is not a special version of saya but a mount that is mainly used for the storage and safekeeping of high-quality blades.
The saya in this type of mount is made of unpainted wood.
Tsuishu
The name Tsuishu stands for a particularly visually appealing design in which two different lacquer colours are applied on top of each other and then a pattern is carved into the top layer so that the layer underneath is revealed.
Carved / painted patterns on the saya
The scabbard can also be embellished with carvings or paintings. This turns the scabbard into a true work of art, similar to a painting.
This YouTube video demonstrates how to make a (Shirasaya) mount including a scabbard:
