Treasures of JapanA catalogue of Japan's designated cultural properties
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National Treasure

Blade for a Long Sword ("Tachi"), Named "Ōkanehira”

太刀（名物 大包平）
Blade for a Long Sword ("Tachi"), Named "Ōkanehira” (太刀（名物 大包平）)
PLATE IImage: Tokyo National Museum, via ColBase — CC BY 4.0
At a glance — Swords & Armour · Heian period, 12th century · held by Tokyo National Museum · designated National Treasure of Japan.

Fact Sheet

Designation
National Treasure (国宝)
Date
1101–1200
Location
Ueno, Tokyo
Catalogue ID
cobas-77827

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The curved, single-edged Japanese sword was perfected in the 1100s, coinciding with the rise of the samurai in warfare and politics. This blade was crafted by the master swordsmith Kanehira during this era. Today, it is considered one of the most valuable Japanese blades in existence due to its age and exceptional craftsmanship.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.

Record & Sources

Cite this page: “Blade for a Long Sword ("Tachi"), Named "Ōkanehira”（太刀（名物 大包平））.” Treasures of Japan, catalogue no. cobas-77827. Tokyo National Museum. https://treasures.yamato-kenkou.com/treasures/blade-for-a-long-sword-tachi-named-kanehira/ — entry last verified 1 November 2026.
Full record data (as published in the official catalogue record)
  • Category: Applied arts:Arms and armor:Blades:Tachi
  • Cultural property designation: National Treasure
  • Genre: Arms & Armor
  • 員数: 1口
  • 分類: 刀剣
  • 種別: 工芸:武器・武具:刀剣:太刀
  • 銘文等: 銘 備前国包平作

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