大包平
Ōkanehira
別名: Great Kanehira
解說
Called 'the yokozuna of Japanese swords' — the very highest rank — Ōkanehira is considered one of the finest blades ever forged. Made by Kanehira of Bizen Province, this tachi measures approximately 89 cm yet weighs a mere 735 grams, a miraculous combination of size and lightness that defies ordinary metallurgy. The jigane displays fine ko-itame with ji-nie, while the hamon features an elegant ko-midare mixed with ko-chōji. Together with Mikazuki Munechika, it forms the twin pillars of the Tokyo National Museum's sword collection, famously described as 'the eastern yokozuna Ōkanehira and the western yokozuna Mikazuki Munechika.'
逸話與傳說
Ōkanehira was acquired by Ikeda Terumasa during his tenure as lord of Himeji Domain, and was thereafter transmitted as the Ikeda family's most treasured heirloom. The prefix 'Ō' (great) was added to distinguish this supremely fine blade from other works by Kanehira. Its weight of approximately 735 grams for an 89 cm blade is astonishing even compared to contemporary tachi, and it is said to have been light enough to wield with one hand despite its great length. The secret of this miraculous lightness is attributed to Kanehira's extraordinary forging process, which maximized the density and refinement of the steel — a feat that remains difficult to replicate even with modern technology. Truly a sword that transcends the limits of human craft.
相關名刀
村正
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Sengo Muramasa (1st–3rd generation)
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National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties (multiple works)Masamune
Okazaki Masamune (Gorō Nyūdō Masamune)
長曽祢虎徹
Important Cultural Properties and Important Art Objects (multiple works)Nagasone Kotetsu
Nagasone Okisato (Kotetsu)
大般若長光
National TreasureDaihannya Nagamitsu
Osafune Nagamitsu