刀鞘(かたなざや)

かたなざや
noun
sword sheath; scabbard
culturemilitary
1. sword sheath; scabbard
The protective case or sheath for a Japanese sword. An essential component of a complete sword mounting, traditionally made of wood with a lacquered finish.
刀鞘(かたなざや)から刀(かたな)を抜(ぬ)いた。
He drew the sword from its sheath.
この刀鞘(かたなざや)は漆(うるし)で美(うつく)しく塗(ぬ)られている。
This scabbard is beautifully coated with lacquer.
博物館(はくぶつかん)には江戸時代(えどじだい)の名工(めいこう)が作(つく)った刀鞘(かたなざや)のコレクションが展示(てんじ)されている。
The museum displays a collection of scabbards made by master craftsmen of the Edo period.

A compound of 刀(かたな) (sword) and 鞘(さや) (sheath). The 鞘(さや) is one of the key components of a Japanese sword's 拵(こしらえ) (mounting), along with the 柄(つか) (handle) and 鍔(つば) (guard).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 鞘(さや): sheath (general term, used alone for any sheath or scabbard)
  • 拵(こしらえ): sword mounting (the full set of fittings for a Japanese sword)

Cultural note

Traditional Japanese sword scabbards are made from 朴(ほお)の木(き) (magnolia wood) and often finished with elaborate lacquerwork. Fine scabbards are considered works of art in their own right and are valued by collectors.

general
Added 2026.5.3 9:00 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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