Japanese Ko-Mihara Katana NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon – Kamakura Period ca. 1250 – 775 Years Old Rare Early Koto Samurai Sword with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certification and NBTHK Hozon Aizu Shōami Tsuba Description Japanese Ko-Mihara Katana NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken An exceptional and highly important Japanese katana attributed by the NBTHK to the prestigious Ko-Mihara school, dating to the Kamakura period, circa 1250. Forged approximately 775 years ago, this sword originates from one of the most celebrated eras in Japanese sword history. The Kamakura period is widely regarded as the golden age of Japanese swordsmithing, when the classical form of the samurai sword reached its highest artistic and functional development. The blade has been awarded NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken certification, confirming its authenticity and recognizing it as a particularly important example worthy of special preservation. Ko-Mihara represents the earliest and most desirable phase of the Mihara tradition of Bingo Province. Strongly influenced by the Yamato schools, Ko-Mihara blades are admired for their refined workmanship, elegant sugata and classical beauty. Genuine Kamakura-period examples have become increasingly difficult to obtain and remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide. The blade is mumei and ō-suriage, as commonly encountered on important Kamakura-period swords that survived centuries of use and preservation. Multiple mekugi-ana testify to its long history and continuous appreciation through generations of ownership. The sword displays an elegant and graceful sugata with beautiful curvature characteristic of the Kamakura period. Despite its great age, it retains the powerful presence and refined proportions that distinguish early Koto masterpieces. Measurements Nagasa: 69.7 cm Sori: 2.1 cm Mekugi-ana: 4 School: Ko-Mihara Period: Kamakura Period, circa 1250 Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tōken Koshirae The katana is mounted in a complete traditional koshirae that complements the dignity and historical significance of the blade. The understated presentation emphasizes the sword itself while providing an elegant overall appearance. NBTHK Hozon Aizu Shōami Tsuba An additional highlight is the accompanying iron Aizu Shōami tsuba with its own NBTHK Hozon certificate. Decorated with refined gold inlay work, this tsuba represents a collectible work of Japanese metal artistry in its own right and adds significantly to the overall value and desirability of the set. Included NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the Katana NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the Aizu Shōami Tsuba Complete Koshirae Shirasaya Conclusion A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic Kamakura-period samurai sword dating to approximately 1250 and preserved for more than seven centuries. Combining exceptional age, prestigious Ko-Mihara attribution, NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon certification, complete koshirae and a separately certified NBTHK Hozon Aizu Shōami tsuba, this represents a highly desirable collector's piece from the golden age of Japanese swordsmithing. A remarkable survivor from the earliest centuries of the samurai tradition.