説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana attributed to Naminohira Yasukuni with
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This blade is attributed to Naminohira Yasukuni (波平安国), who was active during the Genroku era(
1688-1704
: Mid- Edo period). He belonged to a prestigious school called Naminohira school
. Naminohira is also a place located in the Satsuma domain(today’s Kagoshima prefecture). Yasukuni was the 4th son of Yamato no Kami Yasuyuki (大和守安行), who was the 57th head of Naminihira school, being a prominent figure in the region. Yasuhiro took over his father’s school and became 58th head of the school. In 1708, he received an honorable official title of Yamato Daijo. His son was Yasutsune, who was 59th head of Naminohira school. One of Yasukuni’s apprentices was Ichinohira Yasuyo, who is one of the most famous sword makers in Satsuma province.
Naminohira(波平) was one of the most influential schools in Satsuma domain founded by a Yamato-Den swordsmith Masakuni(正國) during the late-Heian period(Late 12th century). They were known for having their smith name with one of these letters, 行(Yuki) or 安(Yasu).
The Naminohira swords were cherished among Samurais in the marine army, mainly because the name Naminohira(波平) means “Tides are quiet.” in Japanese.
The origin of the name Naminohira dates back to the school’s foundation. It is said that the founder Masakuni was able to calm the waves by dedicating his sword to the sea when his school from Yamato sailed to live in Satsuma domain. Since then, he began to use the title “Naminohira Yukiyasu (波平行安)” – “Tides are quiet, ’tis an easy way.” From the late-Heian period until the end of Samurai times(Late 19th century), the Naminohira school had kept the mastership for a thousand years.
Yasukuni was a swordsmith from the Naminohira school back in the mid-Edo period. He would like to apply the authentic Yamato-Den techniques in his craft. His work appears to have features that derive from Yamato-Den; razor-edge sharpness and exceptional strength.
Satsuma province had many Samurais and smiths back in the day, making it difficult for most smiths to keep their jobs through the era. However, the Naminohira school always remained prominent in the evolving sword industry – and their work is still beloved by Katana fans to date.
It is appraised as a
Hozon Token
(保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK(Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
73.1 cm (28.8 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
1.1 cm (0.43 inches)
Hamon
:
The crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process
Jimon(Jihada)
:
visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process
Nakago
:
Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.
Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.
Koshirae:
Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya(Scabbard), Tsuka(Handle), Tsuba(Handguard).
Fuchi-Kashira
:
A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
This Fuchi Kashira is coated with silvery paint. It has an uneven surface with a stone-like texture. Based on the design of other sword mountings of this Koshirae (we will mention later), this rough surface finish, which appears covered with stones, seems to represent the surface of a dragon’s body.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
You would find a figure of a dragon on each side of this handle. These dragons’ eyes, beards, and claws are painted golden. This coloring makes an elegant color contrast of black and go
