Lacquered sayas require specific care to maintain their finish over time. The most important rule is to keep them away from prolonged direct sunlight, which causes lacquer to fade, crack, or yellow depending on the pigment used. Avoid storing the saya in areas with high humidity fluctuations, such as near exterior walls or in unheated spaces, as expansion and contraction can cause the lacquer to develop hairline cracks. To clean, use a soft dry cloth — never chemical solvents or abrasive materials. For leather sayas with dragon relief carvings, a light application of leather conditioner every six to twelve months keeps the material supple and prevents the carved details from drying out and flaking. The blade inside should be removed periodically, lightly oiled, and re-seated to prevent trapped moisture from affecting either the blade or the saya interior.
