AS25578 Wakizashi ： Bishu Osafune Norimitsu. A date in August, 1465.(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering Number: AS25578
Wakizashi in Shirasaya, with Tachi Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Bishu Osafune Norimitsu. A date in August, 1465.
備州長船則光
寛正六年八月日

We classify swords into “Saijyo Saku,” “Jyojyo Saku,” “Jyo Saku,” and “Regular Saku” based on the swordsmith’s skill.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku.

Habaki: Silver double habaki (gold-covered)

Blade Length: 56.3 cm (22.17 in)
Curvature (Sori): 1.7 cm (0.67 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.75 cm (1.08 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.75 cm (0.69 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.66 cm (0.26 in)
Sword Weight: 490 grams

Shape: A well-balanced and excellent piece with a moderate blade width, deep curvature, and a fine kissaki, presenting a well-proportioned form overall.

Jigane: The utsuri appears clearly, and the workmanship of the jigane is excellent.

Hamon: A rounded gunome-midare, with the boshi turning into midarekomi.
It is a work displaying the characteristics of a single-handed sword (katate-uchi), and belongs to the group of works known as “Kansho Norimitsu.” It is old in age and superb in workmanship.

Koshirae
Tsuba: An elegant work with eight gold family crests arranged on a shakudo-nanako base.
Fuchikashira: Gold patterns on a shakudo-nanako base.
Saya: Black ro-iro saya.
Menuki: Menuki on a shakudo-nanako base.

Aoi Art’s Comment
The sword comes with a refined and dignified tachi koshirae, featuring six crests arranged on a gold nashiji ground.
This is an elegant, antique work by Bishu Osafune Norimitsu dated Kansho 6 (1465), whose highlights are the beautiful jigane with rising utsuri and the rounded gunome-midare hamon.
It is in good condition, already polished, and makes a fine piece well suited for appreciation.

Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata
NBTHK Hozon Token

Please note: The price does not include the international shipping fees.