AS26318 Tanto：Bishu Osafune Katsumitsu A day in February, Bunki 3 (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Order Number: AS26318

Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Bishu Osafune Katsumitsu
A day in February, Bunki 3
備州長船勝光
文亀三年二月日
We classify swordsmiths’ works into the following categories according to their quality: Saijo Saku, Jojo Saku, Jo Saku, and Futsu Saku.
This work is ranked as Jojo Saku for a work by Bishu Osafune Katsumitsu.

Habaki: Gold-foiled double Habaki

Blade Length: 27.4cm (10.79in)
Curvature: 0.1cm (0.04in)
Mekugi-ana: 1
Motohaba: 2.68cm (1.06in)
Kasane: 0.66cm (0.26in)
Weight: 225g

Period: Muromachi period, Bunki 3 (1503).

Shape: A relatively long tanto with cutting edges on both sides, displaying a form reminiscent of shobu-zukuri.

Jigane: Well-forged ko-itame hada, forming a fine and refined jigane.

Hamon: Suguha mixed with ko-midare.

Characteristics: Katsumitsu was a highly regarded swordsmith, and works dating from before the Bunki era are rated Saijo Saku. This particular Katsumitsu blade has cutting edges on both sides, a style that was produced relatively frequently during the Muromachi period. It is a robust and healthy work.

Aoi Art Authentic Work:
Bunki 3 (1503) corresponds to the late Muromachi period, during the Sengoku era. The sexagenary year was Mizunoto-I (癸亥). Emperor Go-Kashiwabara was the reigning emperor, and Ashikaga Yoshizumi was shogun. Records from this period include Hosokawa Masamoto’s adoption arrangements involving Hosokawa Sumimoto, which later contributed to the political turmoil known as the Eisho Disturbance, as well as natural disasters in the Kinai region.

Aikuchi Koshirae:
Menuki: Brass, carved with a paulownia design.
Fuchi-kashira: Iron, carved with a karakusa design and decorated in iroe.
Saya: Black roiro lacquer.
Kozuka/Kogatana: Yamagane, decorated in brass with a design of the Seven Herbs and autumn plants.

Hozon Token
Aoi Art Appraisal Certificate
Full-length Oshigata

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