AS25259 Kodachi: Bizen Osafune Shigenaga(1403)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Kodachi(Wakizashi): In Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Mei(Inscription):
Bizen Osafune Shigenaga 備州長船重永
Ouei 10 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi 応永十年八月日

Habaki: Double-layered gold-plated Habaki
Blade Length: 52.6 cm (20.71 in)
Curvature: 1.4 cm (0.55 in)
Hole for Pegs: 5 (1 filled)
Width at Base: 2.50 cm (0.98 in)
Width at Tip: 1.57 cm (0.62 in)
Thickness: 0.68 cm (0.27 in)
Period: Early Muromachi period, 1403

Shape: slightly thin blade with big cerveture and small Kissaki.
Jigane: Ko-itame and Mokume with JInie, fine Chikei and Utsuri.
Hamon: Ko-nie base Ko-gunome mixed with Choji midare.

Features:
Bishu Osafune Shigenaga is said to have been a student of Chikakage and the younger brother of Yoshikage. This piece retains a clear signature on both sides and preserves the elegant form. The jigane is well-forged and clearly exhibits the characteristics of Oei Bizen, following the style of Morimitsu and Yasumitsu.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: A red copper plate featuring a carved landscape of willow trees and a boat, with gold-colored enamel.
Fuchikashira: Plain red copper with engraved lines.
Saya: Black lacquered scabbard.
Menuki: Red copper with a high relief carving of a floral design, enhanced with gold-colored enamel.
Kogatana: Red copper with a high relief carving of a sailboat, enhanced with gold-colored enamel. The scene depicted might be ice fishing for smelt on a lake.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
Aoi Art Evaluation: Whole Oshigata