A73138(S5893)
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katana unsigned attributed to a work of NAMINOHIRA

Koto Nanbokucho period (about 650 years ago) Satsuma
Length of cutting edge71.3cm Curvature2.2cm Width of base29.0mm Thickness of base6.6mm

NBTHK(HOZON) certificate

Sugata(configuration) : Kanmuri-Otoshi-zukuri, Iori-mune in low. Thickness and width on base, both are in average standing firmly, deep in curvature on base and Nakago has curved as well. Wide and less volume on Hiraji which shows the notable feature during Nanbokucho period. The entire blade is heroically made and holds an awe-inspiring dignity. (click HERE for super sized image)
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is conspicuous Itame wooden grain marks which flows like streams, so called AYASUGI wave, The habuchi temper gives off whitish irregular granules reflection and belt reflection appears beyond darkish area. The Hiraji-surface is covered with sparkling Nie-glitter that gives off darkish, thick Nie-lines so called Chikei-activity. The entire Kitake marks shows full of an old atmosphere.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : There shows the major character of Naminohira works - YAKIOTOSHI (temper starts above Hamachi) indication under the habaki. Hamon is fairy Nie based suguha straight that rests on temper edge thickly, mixing with small-gunome, clove outline of which frequent ashi feet works delicately in the interior of whitish-mist temper and upper Monouchi area shows fray, double-temper indication.
Boshi (tip): The temper of the tip becomes thicker and brighter the Nie glitter, straight with some indication of fray and double-temper then small circle turns back deeply on the back ridge.
Nakago(tang) : UBU, IRIYAMA end (un-even V-shaped) heel shape and Sen-suki plow filemarks. Three mekugi-ana retaining holes.
The southernmost tip of Japanese islands [Satsuma] domain (now in Kagoshima pref.), the smith frontier Naminohira Masakuni 波平正国 came from Yamato province to establish the Naminohira lineage.The workmanship faithfully followed Yamato school. Major point of view is Ayasugi-style forging marks which can be seen from works of Houju or Gassan lineage who had been flourished in the northeastern of Honshu area as well.
It is guessed that the different lineage schools in the long distance interchanged their technique by ocean route. Succeeded smith name Naminohira Yukiyasu 波平行安 play on words as [Safe Voyage] and had been valued and treasured highly not only from ship's officer but also merchants. It is understood that this katana holds an original blade-shape because temper starting point shows YAKIOTOSHI indication under the habaki. Although this katana remains an original cutting shape, while the tang had been equipped long period since the Medieval Period, the surface of tang got rust, caused decayed and signature becomes illegible.
Silver ground habaki collar. Preserved in a Shira-saya plain wood mounting.
Recent polish/Condition scale: very good (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor).