Sageo

[katonk66]

Hello all,

 

Just a quick historical inquiry:

 

In regards to the Bushi throughout the history, their usage of the katana/uchigatana koshirae, how exactly did they tie their sageo on when not in use (resting on their katanakake)? I would assume in some pragmatic way? (other than the "display style"....sorry I don't know the name)

 

Sidenote: I saw some old pics of Bushi during the late Bakumatsu and early Meiji period, and the way they tied their sageo on their katanakake was very simplified.

 

Just curious.

 

Thanks!

[Grevedk]

Evening Henry,

 

Welcome to the NMB forum, and thank you for a very different and tricky question. I am by no means an expert on this specific question, so I will present my own observation.
 

There are many different uses for the Sageo cord (e.g. fastener to the Obi, tying up sleeves or a prisoner) and many different types of knots. The one you refer to as “ display style” for a Katana may be either the Chu Musubi (Butterfly knot), the Daimyo Musubi (used in the Edo period) or the Ronin Musubi. All of these knots are intricate in a way that you could say both “presents” and “honor” the sword and the Koshira. But - I believe you already know that.

 

Your question is tricky because there are probably so many different variables in which knot a Samurai might chose in regard to his clan affiliation, school of training, personal inclination, time period, type of sword, type of Sageo and so forth. And - I don’t think we have that much valid information on this particular subject in regard to historical writings, prints, paintings or photographs. I might however be surprised 🤓

 

All the best, and keep asking 👍

 

/Soren

 

[katonk66]

Thank you for the reply.

[Kanenaga]

https://www.way-of-t...-to-tie-a-sageo.html

 

 

 

[Toryu2020]

Some informal ways to tie your sageo

[Toryu2020]

[Toryu2020]

[Beater]

Hi Henry,

 

I think Grevedk has it covered. I thought I’d show you the (only) two methods I know and use and which are also the only two given in  the book ”Japanese Swordsmanship” by Warner & Draeger.

There may well be others and the various schools of swordsmanship all have their own versions of just about every aspect of sword use / etiquette, which defines their own interpretation - but these will serve you well for most situations.

 

Regards,

 

Kevin.

[DTM72]

If you have the time and energy, the ronin knot is very nice to look at.