説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana signed by Naminohira Yasuhide with
Tokubetsu
Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
This Katana was signed by Naminohira Yasuhide (波平安秀) during Muromachi period (approximately 15-16th century). Yasuhide was a hereditary name used by 5 makers during the Nanbokucho-late Muromachi period (1346-1528). The first-gen Yasuhide was active during the Shohei era (11346-1370). NBTHK authenticated this blade as a work from the Muromachi period when three generations of Yasuhide forged swords (1452-1528).
Naminohira was one of the most influential swordsmith schools in the Satsuma domain (present-day Kagoshima Prefecture), founded by a swordsmith named Masakuni (正國) during the late Heian period (late 12th century). Swordsmiths of this school were known for incorporating one of the characters 行 (Yuki) or 安 (Yasu) into their names. From the late Heian period until the end of the samurai era in the late 19th century, the Naminohira lineage continued its tradition for nearly a thousand years.
Naminohira swords were particularly valued among samurai of naval forces, largely because the name “Naminohira” (波平) can be interpreted as “calm waves” in Japanese. The origin of this name is said to date back to the foundation of the school. According to tradition, the founder Masakuni was originally from Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture). When he set sail to settle in Satsuma, rough seas threatened the journey, and he is said to have calmed the waves by dedicating his sword to the sea.
The relationship between Samurai and Naminohira
Naminohira swords are closely connected to the spirit of the Samurais in Satsuma province (today’s Kagoshima prefecture), who were known for their fearless fighting style. This is symbolized by the “Sute-gamari (捨て奸)” tactic used during the Battle of Sekigahara (関ケ原の戦い) in the retreat of Shimazu Yoshihiro. “Sute-gamari” was a delaying strategy in which small units were left behind to fight to the death in order to give the main force time to retreat. Even after one unit was completely destroyed, another would continue the same role, repeatedly stopping the enemy’s advance. This allowed the main army of the Shimazu clan to successfully escape from Sekigahara. Because of this long history of warfare, swords were highly valued in Satsuma. In particular, the Naminohira school was considered a prestigious swordsmith lineage and supplied swords to Satsuma samurai for many generations.
However, around 1397 (応永4年, Ōei 4), the lord of Taniyama Castle in the Taniyama region (谷山), where the Naminohira school was based, was defeated by the Shimazu clan and forced to leave. This change in political control caused a temporary decline of the Naminohira school. Later, as the Shimazu clan continued to engage in frequent battles, swords were heavily used and worn down, making surviving Naminohira swords very valuable today.
It is also said that Naminohira swords were considered lucky because of the meaning of their name/kanji, which can be interpreted as “calm waves and safe passage.” For this reason, they were traditionally highly valued and traded, including in connection with the Japanese Navy.
It is appraised as a
Tokubetsu Hozon Token
(特別保存刀剣) 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, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.
*Please keep in mind that there are a few Kitae Kizu and light black rust spots on the blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
74.1 cm (29.1 inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
2.2 cm ( 0.86 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
Kissaki
:
Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword.
Nakago
:
Nakago is the tang of th
