A Niô Kiyotsuna Katana (二王清綱)

The *Niô School* was founded in *Suo province* (present-day Yamaguchi prefecture) on the south-western tip of Honshû in the mid-1200s by the swordsmith *Kiyotsuna*. The school’s name is said to derive from the *Niho manor* of Suo province, itself deeply connected to the *Tôdaiji* – the great Buddhist temple complex of Yamato (Nara), which once held properties throughout the region. The technical influence of that connection shows clearly in the blade: Niô School swords carry a strong *Yamato-den* character, and this katana is a compelling example of that lineage. A *tachi* by the school founder dated March 1265 is preserved to this day at the famous *Itsukushima-jinja*.

This gracefully shaped katana was forged at the end of the Kamakura period, circa 1329-1331, and has survived in remarkably fine condition for a sword of its age. The *jihada* is a rich mixture of *ko-itame* and *ko-mokume* with flowing *nagare* and classic Yamato *masame*, alive with fine *ji-nie* and a beautiful *shirake-utsuri* that makes a deep impression in hand. The *hamon* is a disciplined *suguha* in *ko-nie-deki* with a tight *nioiguchi*, enlivened by *ko-gunome*, *ko-ashi*, *yubashiri* and *tobiyaki*. The *boshi* turns back in a clean *ko-maru* – a lovely detail that reflects the sword’s healthy, well-preserved state, as evidenced by the ample distance from the cutting edge to the hamon in the *kissaki*. The wide, thick *shinogi* is in keeping with the meaty, powerful Yamato tradition to which this Niô school blade faithfully adheres.

The sword comes with a first-class *shirasaya* in rich wood-grain with bamboo strips and a buffalo horn *mekugi* fastener, along with a fine gold *ni-ju habaki* with straight file marks. A special gift set of a pair of *Nio menuki* – thematic guardians representing the benevolent guardian kings of Buddhism – attributed to the *Yokoya school* of Edo province and dated to the Mid-Edo period (1700-1780), accompanies the sword. The 52nd NBTHK Jûyô Token certificate is presented in the traditional rolled protective tube with all documentation. A custom *koshirae* was subsequently built for this katana, with Niô guardians and *Shoki* (the demon slayer) worked into the fittings and a distinctive *zen* whirlpool design lacquered saya.