古伯耆安家

Ko-Hoki Yasuie

Description

Ko-Hoki Yasuie was a master swordsmith of late Heian to early Kamakura period (c. 1156–1190), active in Hoki Province (modern Tottori Prefecture) and regarded as the foremost representative of the Ko-Hoki school — one of the oldest regional sword-making traditions in Japan. "Ko-Hoki" refers collectively to the pre-Kamakura swordsmiths of Hoki Province, and Yasuie stands as the most celebrated among them. Yasuie's blades are valued for their quintessentially archaic beauty: fine itame jihada with the characteristic ancient texture unique to Heian-period blades, suguha hamon with ko-midare and delicate nie, and the deep koshi-zori tachi shape ideal for mounted combat. The quality of his jihada — impossible to replicate in later periods — gives his blades a distinctive ancient presence that commands immediate respect from connoisseurs. The Ko-Hoki school, alongside Ko-Bizen, represents the earliest known tradition of refined Japanese sword-making, predating the great medieval schools. Yasuie's surviving works, including pieces designated as National Treasures, are among the most ancient authenticated blades in existence. DATEKATANA presents Yasuie as a window into the very origins of Japanese sword aesthetics, a direct connection to the world of the Heian warrior.

Famous Works

• 太刀（国宝）
• 太刀（重要文化財）