古伯耆
Ko-Hoki (Ancient Hoki)
One of the oldest sword-making traditions in Japan, based in Hoki Province (modern Tottori), producing masterworks including blades ranked among the Tenka-Goken (Five Greatest Swords).
Description
Ko-Hoki (Ancient Hoki) refers to the earliest sword-making tradition of Hoki Province (modern Tottori Prefecture), flourishing from the late Heian through early Kamakura period. Its greatest representative, Oohara Yasutsuna, is credited with forging the 'Doujigiri Yasutsuna,' one of the Tenka-Goken (Five Greatest Swords), now held in the Tokyo National Museum. The tradition is characterized by strong koshi-zori curvature, masame-grain steel, and quiet ko-midare hamon. Ko-Hoki declined by the mid-Kamakura period but left a lasting legacy as one of Japan's foundational sword-making traditions.
Characteristics of This Era
- Elegant tachi shape with pronounced koshi-zori (waist curvature)
- Steel with prominent masame (straight) grain
- Quiet ko-midare or ko-gunome hamon
- Fine, even ji-nie throughout the blade
- Ko-kissaki (small point) typical of Heian-period style