Naminohira Tachi　波平　太刀
Item No. TK006

  • Period: Koto

  • Designation：Hozon Certificate (Katana) & Hozon Certificate (Koshirae)

  • Mei (Signature): Mumei

  • Nakago - Ubu Mumei

  • Mekugiana - 1

  • Nagasa - 74.8cm

  • Sori - 3.2cm

  • Motohaba - 3.15cm

  • Sakihaba - 1.7cm

  • Kissaki - 2.4cm

  • Nakago length - 17cm

SOLD

Naminohira School (波平派) of Swordsmiths

The Yamato-den tradition was one of the oldest swordsmithing schools in Japan, originating from the Nara area. Early Naminohira smiths were descendants of Yamato-den craftsmen, bringing their techniques to the southern island of Kyushu, where the Naminohira School was established in Satsuma Province.

Based in Satsuma Province (modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture), this school has a history spanning over 1,000 years, making it one of the longest-running lineages of swordsmiths in Japanese history. The Naminohira School is deeply rooted in the Yamato-den tradition, focusing on strong, practical blades that were highly valued by samurai of the Satsuma domain, particularly the Shimazu clan.

The Naminohira School served the samurai of the Shimazu clan, producing swords that were reliable, sturdy, and practical for battle. Unlike the more decorative blades from other schools, Naminohira swords prioritized functionality, reflecting the martial spirit of the Satsuma samurai.

During the Muromachi period (1336–1573) and Edo period (1603–1868), Naminohira smiths continued to produce battle-ready blades, with their work being closely tied to the Shimazu clan. The school’s blades were favored by Satsuma warriors, who valued ruggedness over embellishment.

Today, Naminohira swords are prized for their historical significance and Yamato-den roots.

Koto Period Tachi

Sugata

The Naminohira Tachi stands as a testament to the elegance and sophistication of Koto-period craftsmanship, preserved in exceptional condition for its age. Measuring 74.8 cm in length and still ubu (unshortened), it boasts a remarkably deep koshizori of 3.2 cm, emphasizing its classic and elegant curvature. The blade’s motohaba (width at the base) is an impressive 3.15 cm, ensuring a robust and healthy profile, while it tapers gracefully towards the sakihaba (width at the tip), further accentuating its balanced and refined form.

The blade features a kaku-dome ("square-end") bo-hi, which runs the length of the blade, skillfully executed to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity and adding visual sophistication. The blade is constructed with an iori-mune (a ridge-shaped spine), which is characteristic of traditional tachi.

This combination of features, from its sweeping curvature to its well-proportioned taper, embodies the timeless beauty and masterful design characteristic of the Naminohira tradition.

Jigane

The Naminohira Tachi showcases a stunning itame-hada (板目肌) as the predominant pattern, blended seamlessly with streaks of masame-hada (柾目肌). This unique combination adds depth and texture to the blade's surface.

The steel features a distinctly dark tone, characteristic of koto period steel. This darker hue not only reflects the blade’s age and historical significance but also highlights the intricate details of the jigane. The forging patterns are clearly visible under good lighting, offering a captivating view of the masterful craftsmanship typical of the Naminohira school.

As evident in the provided close-up images, the itame-hada displays a flowing, wood-grain-like texture, while the masame-hada adds linear streaks, emphasizing the blade's dynamic structure. The contrast between these patterns, enhanced by the darker steel, embodies the refined artistry and functionality demanded during the koto period.

Hamon

The hamon of this Naminohira tachi reflects the school’s hallmark characteristics, emphasizing practicality and subtle elegance. This particular blade exhibits a suguba-style hamon (straight pattern) with minor undulations that give it a refined simplicity. The polish highlights the sharpness of the transition between the hardened edge and the body of the blade, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship.

In the close-up images provided, you can observe the nie (沸)—minute crystalline structures—along the hamon, which sparkle under light, adding depth and texture. This feature is typical of the koto period and is a testament to the Naminohira school's expertise in achieving balance between form and functionality. The hamon remains narrow and consistent, staying true to the utilitarian focus of blades forged for battle during this era.

The clarity of the hamon, enhanced by the dark steel, gives a striking visual contrast that makes the blade’s craftsmanship stand out. It aligns with the restrained yet highly effective aesthetic for which the Naminohira school is known. This tachi would have been both a functional weapon and a symbol of refined taste, making it a prized possession for any collector.

Tachi Koshirae - Rugged yet elegant

This rugged yet elegant Tachi Koshirae complements the Naminohira Tachi, reflecting a design suited for both practicality and aesthetic appreciation. The koshirae exudes a robust charm while maintaining the traditional beauty expected of Japanese sword mountings. Key features include:

  1. Saya (Scabbard): The black lacquered saya is adorned with a fine maki-e scattered pattern (katamichirashi), lending it a distinctive texture. The finish, though decorative, emphasizes functionality, with a slightly subdued elegance that avoids overt ornamentation.

  2. Tsuka (Hilt): The tsuka is wrapped with a vibrant te-maki straw-style binding, known as waramaki, providing a firm grip suitable for active use. The practical wrapping style aligns with the rugged theme while maintaining harmony with the overall aesthetic.

  3. Tsuba (Guard): The kotetsu tōtsuba (antique iron openwork guard) is unsigned yet skillfully crafted. Its minimalist yet robust design reflects the utilitarian focus of this koshirae, balancing form and function.

  4. Menuki and Fittings: The menuki features a nanako (fish roe) pattern, unsigned, adding understated decorative elements without overpowering the practical essence of the mount. All fittings are cohesive in their simplicity, reinforcing the rugged, field-ready character.

Certified by the NBTHK (Hozon-level), this koshirae represents the ideal combination of durability and artistry. It is not merely a mounting but a testament to the craftsmanship and functional beauty of the samurai tradition, making it the perfect complement to the Naminohira blade.