Ordering number:24619
Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)
Signature: Bishu Osafune Ukyo-no-suke Katsumitsu
Bunmei 15 Nen 2 Gatsu Kichijitsu (Feb 1483)
備州長船右京亮勝光
文明十五年二月吉日
Sayagaki by Tanobe Sensei:
The inscription mentions that Bishu Osafune Ukyo-no-suke Katsumitsu was active in Bunmei 15 (1483). He is associated with Jirozaemon-no-jo Katsumitsu and Sakyo-no-shin Munemitsu. This blade is a short uchigatana with a midare-utsuri. The itame hada and koshi-hiraki gunome hamon are bright and clear, displaying excellent craftsmanship.
Shinto: Jyojyo Saku
(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.)
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Katsumitsu.
Habaki: Gold Foil Double Habaki
Blade Length: 54.8 cm / 21.57 in
Curvature: 1.4 cm / 0.55 in
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.71 cm / 1.07 in
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.82 cm / 0.72 in
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.65 cm / 0.26 in
Sword Weight: 425 g
Era: Muromachi Period, Bunmei 15 (1483)
Shape:A well-proportioned blade with a firm width and thickness. It features a bo-hi (groove) and a so-hi (secondary groove), enhancing its agility.
Jigane:The jigane is of excellent quality, displaying utsuri, a characteristic shadow-like pattern.
Hamon:A nioi-deki gunome-midare mixed with togari-ba (pointed elements), forming an elegant hamon. The boshi (tip) is intricately shaped, becoming midare-komi and sharply returning.
Features:Bishu Osafune Katsumitsu was a prominent swordsmith lineage from the Bunmei (1469-1487) to Tenbun (1532-1555) eras, continuing into Daiei (1521-1528). Their works were highly regarded, especially during the Eisho (1504-1521) era, where they were recognized among the finest swordsmiths.
This wakizashi, with its extended length, was likely designed as a katate-uchi (one-handed combat blade). The hada (grain pattern) is vividly visible, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship.
Koshirae (Mountings):
Tsuba: Shakudo nanako-ji with engraved chrysanthemums, rim covered in gold.
Fuchikashira & Kojiri: Shakudo nanako-ji with fine chrysanthemum motifs.
Saya: Black ishime-ji saya with carved grooves and black-wrapped sections.
Menuki: High-relief carving of chrysanthemums with gold inlay.
Aoi Art’s Comment:This is an excellent wakizashi by Bishu Osafune Ukyo-no-suke Katsumitsu, with an inscription including his secular name. It is a healthy and well-crafted blade, complemented by a magnificent koshirae.
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata
Price:1,500,000JPY
商談中 HOLD
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