National Treasure

Long Sword (Tachi), Inscribed “Norikuni”
太刀 銘則国
Metalwork · Kamakura, 13th centuryKyoto NM
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Yasuie was a famous sword-blacksmith in Hoki Province (today's Tottori Prefecture) in the late Heian Period. The width of the sword is relatively narrow and the curving is quite high, making for a classic and elegant shape. Although the well-forged Itame-hada texture looks similar to the Ko-bizen type. this texture is more characteristic and its color darker. This sword is the only extant piece bearing Yasuie's inscription.
— Museum description: Kyoto National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.















