Tonbo Katana

Graceful, powerful and rich in Japanese symbolism, the Tonbo Katana brings together traditional sword craftsmanship and the striking beauty of the dragonfly. With its deep black lacquered saya adorned with golden dragonflies, elegant purple silk-style cotton wrapping and finely decorated iron fittings, this Japanese katana is a remarkable addition to any sword collection. For collectors who appreciate the artistry and cultural heritage of the samurai sword, the Tonbo offers a distinctive combination of refined aesthetics and carefully selected materials.

In Japanese tradition, the dragonfly, known as tonbo, has long been associated with courage, perseverance and victory. Its reputation as an insect that flies boldly forward helped establish it as a symbol of the warrior spirit. Dragonfly motifs appeared on samurai armour, helmets and sword fittings, reflecting the importance of symbolism in Japanese martial culture. The Tonbo Katana celebrates this heritage through its decorative gold dragonflies, creating a meaningful connection between the sword's appearance and the traditions that inspired it.

The blade is hand forged from folded powder steel, featuring a traditional medium-length chu-kissaki and a graceful one-inch sori. Differential hardening produces an edge hardness of approximately 60 HRC with a softer spine of approximately 40 HRC, combining a hardened cutting edge with a more resilient blade body. The 28-inch blade is complemented by a 12 1/2-inch tsuka covered in genuine ray skin (same) and tightly wrapped with premium purple Japanese cotton tsuka-ito.

The black iron tsuba features an intricate dragonfly scene accented in gold and bronze, while the matching black fuchi and kashira incorporate bronze and brass detailing. A one-piece brass habaki completes the blade fittings. The deep black lacquered saya is decorated with golden dragonflies and finished with polished buffalo horn at the kojiri, koiguchi and kurikata. A beautifully woven black Japanese cotton sageo provides the finishing touch.

With its elegant proportions, distinctive colour combination and meaningful dragonfly symbolism, the Tonbo Katana with Gold Dragonflies is an exceptional choice for Japanese sword enthusiasts and collectors seeking a katana that honours both the craftsmanship and artistic traditions of Japan.

Collect The Set

The overall motif mirrors that of the Tonbo Wakizashi and would make a beautiful addition for the collector or the practitioner.