Osafune Tsuneie

經家

6 ranked works

On the market now1 work

JūyōVol. 40, No. 81 · Wakizashi

Overview

Tsuneie is transmitted as a swordsmith of the branch within the school of Province. Although the and related signature references place the first generation in the mid- period around the Shoo era (1288-1293), and examples bearing -era dates of the period are also recorded, extant works that predate the Oei era are exceedingly rare. Tsuneie stands alongside Iesuke as one of the capable smiths of Oei-, coming after the foundational masters Morimitsu and Yasumitsu, and his workmanship closely resembles that of Yasumitsu from the same period. Despite being recorded as "" and transmitted as lineage, the observes that there are no grounds — whether in workmanship, the character of the signature, or any other point — by which one could distinguish his production from work.

Tsuneie's forging characteristically shows closely worked, with adhering and clearly standing — hallmarks that plainly display the style of Oei-. His tempering frequently features with opened bases into which is mixed, often with small and , and a that tends toward tightness and is — bright and clear. However, the further notes that Tsuneie was also adept at producing quiet tempers, demonstrating a versatility beyond his more florid work. Both and often show a build that is long in proportion to a standard , with notably thick , lending a dignified and imposing presence.

The finest designated examples by Tsuneie are praised as especially well-executed works, excellent in both and , with a splendidly florid temper of and . The consistently commends those pieces in which both and are — sound and well-preserved — and in which the workmanship is well ordered. The well-refined is described as bright and clear, and the dignified shape with its thick is deemed particularly appealing. Tsuneie's position as a representative smith of Oei-era is firmly established, sharing common traits with his contemporaries while maintaining a workmanship of consistent refinement.

Historical importance

Where Tsuneie stands among comparable artisans: across all of nihontō, and within tradition, era, and period. The tiers (Foremost · Leading · Major · Notable) weigh official designations from the NBTHK and Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, together with historical honors of lasting repute such as the Sansaku and Meibutsu-chō.

随一
Foremost
屈指
Leading
有数
Major
著名
Notable

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Designations

Kokuhō—
Jūyō Bunkazai1
Jūyō Bijutsuhin—
Gyobutsu—
Tokubetsu Jūyō—
Jūyō Tōken5

Elite Standing

Dated Works

Blade Forms

Distribution across 6 ranked works

Signatures

Signature types across 6 ranked works

Currently Available

Lineage

Other artisans of the Osafune school

  1. 1.Mitsutada光忠60designated
  2. 2.Nagamitsu長光3 for sale254designated
  3. 3.Kagemitsu景光2 for sale142designated
  4. 4.Sanenaga眞長1 for sale68designated
  5. 5.Kanemitsu兼光4 for sale235designated
  6. 6.Chikakage近景3 for sale87designated
  7. 7.Tomomitsu倫光2 for sale63designated
  8. 8.Yasumitsu康光4 for sale47designated
  9. 9.Morimitsu盛光7 for sale61designated
  10. 10.Kagemasa景政1 for sale22designated
  11. 11.Masamitsu政光2 for sale84designated
  12. 12.Kagehide景秀23designated

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