AS25255 Tachi:Bishu Osafune Hidesuke(50th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Tachi: Katana in Shirasaya (50th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature: Bishu Osafune Hidesuke
Ouei 11 Nen 2 Gatsu Hi(February, 1404)
備州長船秀助
応永十一年二月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Saijyo Saku (the highest rank) among the works of Bishu Osafune Hidesuke.
Habaki: Single-layered gold-covered
Blade Length: 72.2 cm (28.43 in)
Curvature: 2.8 cm (1.10 in)
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.77 cm (1.09 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.70 cm (0.67 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.69 cm (0.27 in)
Sword Weight: 695 g
Era: Early Muromachi Period, dated February, 1404 (Oei 11)
Shape: The blade is wide with a deep curvature and a slightly extended kissaki (tip).
Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame with dense grain, showing clear utsuri.
Hamon: Fine choji-midare with active hataraki and small ashi entering the ha, boshi turns back with slight togari and irregular pattern.

Features: Bishu Osafune Hidesuke was a swordsmith active from the late Nanbokucho to early Muromachi period.
This work is dated February, 1404 (Oei 11), and features a clearly engraved signature on both the omote and ura sides, which is especially impressive.
The blade has an elegant shape with deep curvature.
With a blade length of 72.3 cm, it is considered long for a work from the early Muromachi period and is thus a rare and valuable piece.
It was selected as the 50th Juyo Token (Important Sword) after passing a rigorous examination.
It is likely that this sword was treasured and carefully preserved by a daimyo over a long period.
Highly recommended.

50th Juyo Token
Aoi Art’s Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata