説明

Antique Japanese Sword Tachi signed by Osafune Motohiro with NBTHK Hozon Certificate 【Description】 This blade was signed by Bishū Osafune Motohiro (備州長船基弘) and dated October 1370 in Bizen Province (today’s Okayama Prefecture). His main period of activity was during the Nanbokuchō period, which corresponds to the late 14th century. 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. What is Tachi? Based on the location of the signature, NBTHK judged it as a Tachi sword. The tachi is a type of Japanese sword that developed from the Heian period (794–1185) through the early Muromachi period. It was primarily used by armored samurai in mounted combat. The sword’s pronounced curvature and relatively long blade made it especially well suited for delivering powerful downward cuts from horseback, reflecting the fighting styles of the time. A tachi was worn suspended from the left side of the waist, with the cutting edge facing downward. This method of mounting allowed for smooth and efficient drawing of the blade, enabling swift transitions from drawing to striking. As a result, the tachi proved highly effective in combat situations where mounted warriors engaged enemies on the ground. From the Kamakura period through the Nanbokuchō period, the tachi became the principal weapon of the samurai class. Beyond its practical role on the battlefield, it also served as a symbol of authority and status, representing the prestige and martial identity of the warrior elite. 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 note that this blade has a couple of noticeable kitae-kizu. If you would like to see detailed photographs or receive further information regarding its condition, please feel free to contact us. 【 Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 62.7 cm (24.7 inches) Curvature(Sori) : 1.9 cm (0.75 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 speciali