Autumn Leaf Differentially Tempered Katana by Popular Demand
The symbolism of the ginkgo leaf for longevity is about as ancient as the tree itself, along with the nature of duality. Our Autumn Leaf Katana embodies both of these contrasting metaphors of endurance and finality in its motif. The blackened moon shaped stainless steel tsuba silhouettes falling gingko leaves, as the moon coaxes songs from the grasshopper and bell cricket menuki (handle ornaments), both symbols of good fortune in Japanese culture. The 5160 carbon steel blade features a 1 ½" kissaki (point) and geometry conducive to rigorous cutting without chipping on soft and semi-hard targets.
The tan tsuka-ito (handle wrap) offests the blackened fuchi and fuchi-kashira on the double mekugi (bamboo pin) pinned handle. The black lacquered saya (scabbard) features a buffalo horn rimmed koiguchi (scabbard mouth) and kurikata (knob) with a black sageo (cord).