二王清綱

Nio Kiyotsuna

Description

Nio Kiyotsuna is one of the foremost swordsmith masters of the Nio school (Nio-ha), active during Japan's turbulent Nanbokucho period (1336–1392) in Chikuzen Province (modern western Fukuoka Prefecture). The Nio school is named after its founder Nio Norikane and represents one of the most distinguished sword-making lineages of Kyushu. Kiyotsuna's blades are celebrated for combining the refined aesthetics of the Bizen tradition with the powerful, dynamic tempering techniques associated with the Soshu (Sagami) school. His characteristic jihada features ko-itame with nagare mixed in, while his hamon typically displays large gunome or box-shaped gunome (hako-gunome) with rich nie activity, tobiyaki, and sunagashi — hallmarks of Soshu influence adapted to the Chikuzen tradition. The overall shape favors the large tachi and odachi forms befitting the large-scale warfare of the Nanbokucho era. Several of Kiyotsuna's works are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and at least one tachi bearing the mei "Nio Kiyotsuna" is held among the treasures of the Kyushu National Museum. His importance to the history of Japanese swords lies not only in his technical mastery but also in his role as a transmitter of diverse mainland influences through Kyushu's strategic position as Japan's gateway to the continent.

Famous Works

• 太刀「二王清綱」（九州国立博物館）
• 太刀（福岡市博物館所蔵）