Ordering number:24120

Katana in Shirasaya with Koshirae (48th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Bizen Osafune (partially cut off) (Masamitsu)
Nen 8 Gatsu (partially cut off)
備州長船(以下切れ)(政光)
年八月(以下切れ)

Saya Inscription: Bizen Osafune Masamitsu. Although the signature and characters are partially cut off, research indicates that this piece dates to the late Nanbokucho period. The teacher was Kanemitsu, and it is known that someone appointed in his later years during the Jiji era produced this piece. The deep koshi-sori and ordinary shape show clear nie and a distinct midare utsuri pattern. The omote side shows a wavy pattern, while the ura side has a larger notare with small midare. The bright nioiguchi and sharp boshi demonstrate the sword's excellent craftsmanship. This is a robust and superior piece. (By Tanzan)

Chu-Koto: Jyosaku: Bizen
At our company, we classify swordsmiths' works into four ranks: Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This piece by Bizen Osafune Masamitsu is classified as Jyo Saku.
Polished
Habaki: Gold-covered double
Blade Length: 70.0 cm (27.56 in)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2 (1 filled)
Width at Base: 2.98 cm (1.17 in)
Width at Tip: 2.01 cm (0.79 in)
Thickness: 0.67 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 795 g (1.75 lbs)
Era: Nanbokucho period, around 1375
Shape: The inscription is partially cut off, so it has been slightly suriage and reshaped.
Jigane: Well-forged itame mixed with mokume.
Hamon: A well-formed notare-midare with bright nioiguchi and midare-komi boshi.

Features: Osafune Masamitsu was an apprenteice of Kanemitsu and worked until around the Oei period. He made many swords with saki-zori tanto and long tanto, and also produced blades with gunome choji and suguha hamon, as well as Kanemitsu-style carvings.

The signature partially remains as Bizen Osafune.

Koshirae:
Tsuba:On the Shakudo plate, the rim is engraved with gold.
Menuki:On the Shakudo base, Kabuto(Helmet) and Muchi(whip) are engraved with gold.
Fuchikashira:On the Shakudo base, Autumn insects and flowers are engraved with gold.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This piece, created by a disciple of Kanemitsu, closely resembles his master's style, especially in the boshi area. It is a significant work from the 48th Juyo Token period, and Mr. Tanabe has confirmed that this is undoubtedly a piece by the first generation Bizen Osafune Masamitsu.

48th NBTHK Juyo Token
Aoi Art’s Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata

Price: 3,950,000　JPY

Related Items:

Katana: Bishu Osafune Masamitsu (illegible) (the 67th NBTHK Juyo Token)(NBTHK Tokubetus Hozon Tosogu) Katana: Geishu Shi Matuo Hideto Zo/Bunkyu 3 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi Katana:Mumei (Nobukuni)(Juyo Token 30th session)(Koshirae:NBTHK Hozon Tosogu) Daisho:Tame Minobe Akihide Shi Chikushu Sanno Ju Sotsutomu Saku Showa 60 Nen 8 Gatsu Kichijitsu (August 1985)(NBTHK Hozon Token) Tachi : Ichi(judged as Yoshioka Ichimonji)(NBTHK the 41st Juyo Token) Katana： Nobutsugu(Aoe)(65th NBTHK Juyo Token)