AS25274 Tanto:Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Sukesada Dated: August, Eiroku 5 (1562) (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Tanto: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Sukesada
Dated: August, Eiroku 5 (1562)
備前国住長船祐定
永禄五年八月日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for Osafune Sukesada of Bizen province.
Habaki: Double-layered, made of plain copper
Blade Length: 24.8 cm (9.76 in)
Curvature: 0 cm (0 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2 (1 plugged)
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.17 cm (0.85 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.72 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 175 g
Shape: On the front, “Namu Hachiman Daibosatsu” is carved.
On the reverse, a Sanskrit character is engraved.
Jigane: Ko-itame-hada well forged, mixed with mokume-hada.
Faint utsuri appears.
Hamon: Made in ko-nie style, a deep nioiguchi suguha with a double temper line.
The tip is irregular and rounded, with a deep turn-back (kaeri).

Features: This tanto by Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Sukesada is thick and solidly made.
It bears a date inscription of August, Eiroku 5 (1562).

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron tsuba with openwork carving.
Fuchikashira: Rock-like texture with gold inlay.
Saya (Scabbard): Nashiji-style inro-gata saya.
Menuki: Shakudo base with plant design.
Kozuka: Shakudo nanako-ji base, engraved with a large tree and possibly a deer, with gold inlay.
Includes kogatana (small utility blade).

Aoi Art’s Comment:The blade is engraved with the phrase “Namu Hachiman Daibosatsu”.
This is not tied to a specific sect but reflects the Hachiman faith, which blends Shinto and Buddhism.
Hachiman is revered as a bodhisattva (Daibosatsu), an expression of devotion that treats Emperor Ojin (Homutawake no Mikoto) as a Buddhist deity.
He is considered a manifestation of Amida Nyorai or a guardian deity of Buddhist law.
The term “Namu” means to take refuge or show reverence, while “Daibosatsu” refers to a compassionate Buddha who saves all sentient beings.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata