説明

Antique Japanese Sword Katana signed by Osafune Sukesada with NBTHK Hozon Certificate 【Description】 This blade bears the signature “Bishu Osafune Sukesada” (備州長船祐定) and was forged in the 10th year of the Eiroku era (1567), during the late Muromachi period. “Bishu” refers to the old Bizen province, located in today’s Okayama Prefecture, and “Osafune” designates one of its most prosperous sword-making schools. “Sukesada” is the smith’s name. The reverse side of the tang (nakago) bears the inscription of the year. During the late Muromachi period (Sengoku era, or Warring States period), Japan was marked by continuous warfare and political unrest. Samurai demanded highly reliable weapons for battle, which drove swordsmiths like Sukesada to produce large numbers of refined and functional blades. Swordsmiths working in Bizen at the end of the Muromachi period (approximately 1492–1569 A.D.) are collectively referred to as “Matsu-Bizen” (“matsu” meaning “late” or “end”). Among them, the Sukesada school was one of the most renowned and long-lasting lineages of the Osafune tradition. Over sixty swordsmiths are known to have used the name “Sukesada,” making it a prestigious brand-like name that symbolized the craftsmanship and reputation of Bizen blades. Because this sword was produced during an age of near-constant warfare, it is possible that it was commissioned by a samurai and carried on the battlefield. This History of Bizen Osafune School It is said that Osafune school was founded by Mitsutada (光忠), who was active during the mid-Kamakura period. Bizen Osafune school was the biggest one of all other schools in Bizen province, and they received many orders from feudal lords or renowned Samurai. They were called Osafunemono and were beloved by Samurai warriors. Among the swordsmiths who belonged to this school, Nagamitsu, Sanenaga, and Kagemitsu are known as Osafune Sansaku, the three renowned Osafune swordsmiths. There are also four other prominent swordsmiths who were from Bizen Osafune school. They are called Osafune Shiten-no, the four masters of Osafune school. Their names are Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, Nagayoshi, and Motoshige. BIZEN is located near the Chugoku Mountains, where iron sands, one of the essential materials for making Japanese swords, were abundant. Furthermore, BIZEN swordsmiths had close access to the Yoshi River, where they could find water and charcoal. This geological location contributed to the swordsmiths forging high-quality refined blades. We presume BIZEN was quite active in sword-forging from ancient times. It is said that BIZEN DEN was created by groups of swordsmiths there during the late Heian era (Late 12th century). These ancient swordsmiths in Bizen province are called Ko-Bizen (Old Bizen) swordsmiths. By inheriting the sword forging techniques from Ko-Bizen swordsmiths, the Bizen Osafune school flourished from the mid-Kamakura period. It is appraised as a Hozon Token (保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai: 日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, well preserved and high quality with artistic value. *Please keep in mind that there are a few Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to see the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us. 【 Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 69.0 cm (27.1 inches) Curvature(Sori) : 2.2 cm (0.86 inches) Hamon : The crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process Jimon(Jihada) : visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process Kissaki : Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword. Nakago : Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword. Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged. Koshirae : Koshirae is t