Koshirae
Koshirae designs have developed historically according to the style and tastes of those who bore the swords over the ages. Ideally any koshirae restoration project should take period of the sword's manufacture into consideration and match the design accordingly.
The pictures here show the original pieces of a broken katana koshirae, separated and prepared for restoration, and the final result below.
I always proceeded with great caution, careful to only touch parts that are deemed "damaged" and preserving as much of the original piece (and patina) as possible.
Some koshirae need to be re-built entirely from scratch using elements such as fuchi and kashira, menuki and tsuba etc. I also do re-wrapping of the lace binding on handles - tsukamaki. All parts such as kurikata, kojiri and koguchi are hand-made from buffalo horn. Saya can be lacquered in traditional urushi or modern/creative techniques. Please note : currently in Europe we have difficulty in obtaining good quality Magnolia wood from Japan (for saya and tsuka) and there may be a long delay, the alternative is to use a comparative European wood sort. It is my privilege to be able to restore these pieces, returning to them the status they once possessed.
Koshirae traditionally only lasted about 100 years before they had to be replaced, today most koshirae are carefully conserved and cared for by a growing group of enthusiastic collectors.
If you have a sword in damaged koshirae, or without any koshirae at all, then please contact me to discuss the possible restoration. As each restoration case would be unique please send me a detailed description of the damage along with clear photographs.
Tsukamaki - handle wrapping. Tsuka wrapping in many styles. If repairs are needed to the wooden tsuka this can be done. Please contact me for more info. The wakizashi tsuka in the picture has had the Samegawa repaired and has rice-paper strips glued along the top and bottom to strengthen the structure and define the shape.
PLease view the Tsukamaki Gallery >
Sword Polishing - Togishi. I will not polish items that have recieved papers or have great historical value. Traditional Japanese polishing stones and techniques are used. Contact me for information.
