AS15633 Wakizashi:Bishu Osafune Morimitsu(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Bishu Osafune Morimitsu
Oei 24 Nen 8 Gatsu Hi (August 1417)
備州長船盛光
応永二十四年八月日

Chukoto: Jyojyo Saku, O-Wazamono, Bizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku, and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyojyo Saku among the works of Bishu Osafune Morimitsu.

Habaki: Gold Foil Single Habaki
Blade Length: 1 shaku 2 sun 4 bu (37.7 cm / 14.84 in)
Curvature: 1 bu 5 rin (0.45 cm / 0.18 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.7 cm (1.06 in)
Thickness (Kasane): 0.5 cm (0.20 in)
Era: Muromachi Period, Oei Era (1394–1428)
Shape: Standard width and thickness, with a bo-hi (groove) on both sides, slight curvature, and an elongated tanto form.
Jigane: Itame-hada mixed with mokume-hada, well-forged with ji-nie and chikei, creating an exceptional grain pattern.
A utsuri (shadowy pattern) is visible.
Hamon: Ko-nie deki, forming choji-midare with ashi.
The boshi is midare-komi, sharply pointed, and turns back, resembling the “burning candlewick” pattern.

Features:Bishu Osafune Morimitsu was the son of Morimitsu and held the title Shuri-no-Suke.
He was the leading swordsmith of the Oei Bizen school, along with Yasumitsu and Morimitsu.
Morimitsu is particularly famous for his work during the early Muromachi period, and his Oei Bizen-style swords are highly regarded.
His jigane is exceptionally refined, resembling a polished gemstone.
This piece is a prime example of Morimitsu’s craftsmanship, featuring a well-forged jigane with strong ji-nie and chikei, along with a clear utsuri.
The hamon is choji-midare with pointed elements, and the boshi forms a sharp return, reminiscent of a candlewick.
The first-generation Morimitsu is ranked Jyo Saku and is known as an O-Wazamono (high cutting ability) swordsmith.

Koshirae (Mountings):
Tsuba: Iron tsuba with openwork carving. The rim is covered with shakudo fukurin and features gold inlay.
Fuchikashira: Iron base, featuring a high-relief carving of a house and pine tree, with gold inlay.
Saya: Lacquered in red and black.
Menuki: Shakudo base, high-relief carving of a shishi (lion), with gold inlay.

Aoi Art’s Comment:Recently, masterpiece swords have become extremely rare on the market.
This piece is a magnificent example of Morimitsu’s work, featuring an ubu (unaltered) nakago with a single mekugi hole and a healthy, intact blade.
It displays the finest Oei Bizen jigane and Morimitsu’s signature choji-midare hamon, with a clear utsuri.
This work is outstanding in both craftsmanship and condition, and the koshirae is also of high value.
A truly rare and highly recommended Morimitsu sword.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata