AS23430 Katana : Bizen Koku Ju Osafune Sukesada Saku(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Ordering number: AS23430

Katana in Shirasaya(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Bizen Koku Ju Osafune Sukesada Saku.
Eiroku 11 Nen 2 Gatsu Hi
備前國住長船祐定作
永禄十一年二月日

At our company, we categorize swords into different ranks based on the craftsmanship of
the swordsmith: Saijō-saku (highest), Jōjō-saku (excellent), Jō-saku (superior), and
Futsū-saku (normal). This particular work is classified as Jō-saku, placing it in the
superior category. Polished.
Habaki: Single gold-wrapped
Blade Length: 2 shaku 1 sun 8 bu (66.1 cm) / 26.02 inches
Curvature: 5 bu 5 rin (1.67 cm) / 0.657 inches
Mekugi-ana: 1
Width at Base: 3.05 cm / 1.20 inches
Width at Tip: 2.09 cm / 0.82 inches
Thickness: 0.7 cm / 0.28 inches
Sword Weight: 640 grams
Era: Late Muromachi Period
The overall form of the sword has a balanced body width and thickness, and its
curvature adds to its well-proportioned appearance. The grain pattern (jihada) features a
mix of itame hada and mokume hada on the surface,
creating a beautiful texture. The　temper pattern (hamon) consists
of a midare pattern with ashi and yō, producing a lively
and dynamic edge.

Distinctive Features:
While the common name for this work isn’t provided, the grain pattern and the activity of
the temper pattern show noticeable variations. The single peg hole in the tang adds to
the exceptional craftsmanship. This work from the late Eiroku period of the Muromachi
era is a recommended piece due to its high-quality craftsmanship.

From Aoi Art: This work, created by separating the name “Bizen Province
Resident B”ozen Kuni Jyu Osafune Sukesada and the date “Eiroku 11th Year, February,”
features a cleanly cut signature and represents the typical style of Yoshisada’s work. As
a finely crafted and wholesome piece, we encourage you to consider making a
purchase. I personally recommend it.

Historical Background:
In the context of the late Muromachi era, in the 11th year of the Eiroku period (1568) on
December 13th, Imagawa Ujizane of Suruga and Tōtōmi Provinces was driven out of
Suruga’s Imagawa Castle by Takeda Shingen. Shingen and Tokugawa Ieyasu
collaborated and launched a simultaneous attack on the Imagawa territories. Ujizane
sought refuge in Kakegawa Castle but was eventually surrounded by Ieyasu.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper: whole Oshigata.