AS24771 Tachi ：?? (Unknown Signature) (Ko-Naminohira)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS24771

Tachi in Shirasaya (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: ?? (Unknown Signature) (Ko-Naminohira)
(銘不明)（古波平）

Inscription on the Saya :Ko-Naminohira Yukiyasu
Ubu Nakago with Signature – From the Hōgen Era (1156–1159)
A Fine Work – Blade Length: 2 shaku 4 sun 7 bu (75.0 cm)
Written in August, Showa 62 (1987), Year of the Rabbit
By Hon’ami Nisshu (with Kao, signature seal)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among Ko-Naminohira swords.
Habaki: Silver-plated single-layered, engraved with a flowing water and maple leaf motif.
Blade Length: 75.0 cm (29.53 in)
Curvature: 2.5 cm (0.98 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.82 cm (1.11 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.50 cm (0.59 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.73 cm (0.29 in)
Sword Weight: 690 g (1.52 lbs)
Era: Late Heian to Early Kamakura Period
Shape:This tachi features a deep curvature and a slightly wavy kissaki, with an ubu-nakago (original, unaltered tang), allowing for a clear observation of its original form and shinogi-ji details from the time of its creation. The shinogi-ji activity is particularly well preserved.
Jigane:The ko-itame hada is well-forged, with utsuri appearing, characteristic of old Naminohira swords.
Hamon:A nioi-based suguha (straight temper line) with some slight clouding near the tip. The boshi is irregular.

Special Feature:　Naminohira is a group of swordstmiths in Satsuma that originated from Masakuni and his son Yukiyasu, who emigrated from Yamato to Satsuma in the late Heian period and continued until the late Edo period .The style is strongly characteristic of the Yamato style, but often has strong Masa and forms in Ayasugi hada.

Aoi Art’s Comment:This sword is rare for being in ubu-nakago condition, which allows us to see the original form clearly. It exhibits distinct characteristics of the Ko-Naminohira school, including a well-preserved sori (curvature). The hamon follows the traditional suguha style typical of the period and is considered a reasonably well-made example of its kind.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata