説明

Antique Japanese Sword Katana Signed by Sukesada with Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate 【Description】 This blade bears the signature “Bizen no Kuni Jū Osafune Shichibe no Jō Sukesada” (備前国住長船七兵衛尉祐定), who was active during the early Edo period. It was forged by Shichibe no Jō Sukesada, a distinguished swordsmith of the Bizen Osafune Sukesada lineage in present-day Okayama Prefecture. The Sukesada school was one of the most celebrated and productive branches within the Osafune tradition, which itself was the largest and most prosperous school in Bizen province. Over several centuries, many generations of Sukesada smiths forged blades in a wide range of styles, adapting their work to the changing needs of the time—from the demands of warfare during the Sengoku period to the ceremonial and aesthetic preferences of the peaceful Edo era. At its height, as many as sixty swordsmiths were using the name “Sukesada,” making it a well-known and trusted hallmark among samurai across Japan. Shichibe no Jō Sukesada was the 5th generation descendant of Yosōzaemon-jō Sukesada, a master who flourished around the Eishō era (1504–1521) and is regarded as one of the greatest smiths of the Sukesada lineage. He was the eldest son of Tōshirō Sukesada and the father of Ueno Daijō Sukesada, both accomplished smiths in their own right. As such, he played a pivotal role as the reviver of the Bizen Osafune Sukesada family during the early Edo period, bridging the traditions of the late Muromachi era with the emerging shintō (新刀, new sword) period. According to records, Shichibe no Jō Sukesada lived an exceptionally long life, passing away in 1674 (Enpō 2) at the age of 98. By counting backward, his birth year is estimated to have been 1577 (Tenshō 5). The earliest extant blade with an inscribed date by his hand is from Genwa 2 (1616), showing his active work over a remarkably long career. In his later years, some of his works are believed to have been assisted or completed by his son, Ueno Daijō Sukesada, continuing the family legacy under the same signature. This History of Bizen Osafune School The Bizen Osafune school traces its roots back to the mid-Kamakura period and its founder Mitsutada (光忠). Over time, the school produced many legendary smiths, including Nagamitsu, Sanenaga, and Kagemitsu—collectively known as the Osafune Sansaku (“Three Great Masters of Osafune”)—as well as the so-called Osafune Shitennō (“Four Heavenly Kings of Osafune”): Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, Nagayoshi, and Motoshige. Bizen’s geographical advantages—rich iron sand deposits from the Chūgoku Mountains, abundant water from the Yoshii River, and plentiful high-quality charcoal—made it an ideal center for sword-forging. This environment enabled the creation of Bizen-den, one of the five great traditions (Gokaden) of Japanese sword-making, known for its beauty, durability, and excellent cutting ability. Many Bizen blades, including works by the Sukesada school, were carried into battle during the Sengoku (“Warring States”) period and are today regarded as both artistic and historical treasures. It is appraised as a Tokubetsu Hozon Token (特別保存刀剣) 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, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value. 【Blade】 Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa) : 70.9 cm (27.9 inches) Curvature(Sori) : 1.8 cm (0.70 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 estim