Koshirae---mounting of Japanese Sword

The Koshirae is the mounting 'worn' by the Japanese sword (e.g.Katana), when it is being worn by its owner, whereas shirasaya is the wooden sheath and grip the sword wears when in storage.

In the proper manner a Koshirae should be presented with tsuka to the left. The origin of this custom is that you cannot unsheathe the sword easily this way. Also, in times of peace, koshirae is stored with tsuka to the left, while in times of war - to the right (always ready to be unsheathed).

Origin of the word

The word Koshirae is derived from the verb "koshirareru", which is no longer used in current speech. More commonly "tsukuru" is used in its stead; both words mean "make, create, manufacture". More accurate is "Toso", which translates to sword-furniture: "Tosogu" are the parts of the mounting in general, and "Kanagu" stands for those made of metal. "Gaiso" are the "outer" mountings, as opposed to "Toshin", the "body" of the sword.

Individual parts of the koshirae

Kashira - butt cap on the end of the hilt

Fuchi - hilt collar (above the guard/tsuba)

Same-kawa - ray skin wrapping of the handle

Menuki - ornaments on the hilt (generally under the tsuka-ito)

Tsuba - sword guard

Tsuka - hilt

Tsuka-maki - silk wrapping on the hilt a.k.a "tsuka-ito" or "ito-maki"

Habaki - wedge shaped metal collar used to keep the sword from falling out of the scabbard and to support the fittings below

Seppa - washers above and below the tsuba of a samurai sword

Kozuka - decorative handle fitting for the kogatana; a small utility knife fit into a 'pocket' on the scabbard

Kogai - spike for hair arranging carried sometimes as part of Katana-Koshirae in another 'pocket'

Wari-bashi - metal chop-sticks fit in a 'pocket' on the scabbard

Kuri-kata - knob on the side of the scabbard for attaching Sageo

Sageo - cord used to tie scabbard to the belt/obi when worn

Koiguchi - mouth of the scabbard or its fitting

Kojiri - end of the scabbard or its fitting

Kaishizuno - a hook shaped fitting used to lock the scabbard to the obi while drawing