AS24828 Wakizashi: Bishu Osafune Morimitsu (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number: AS24828

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Bishu Osafune Morimitsu
Oei 24 Nen 10 Gatsu Hi(October　1417)
備州長船盛光
応永廿二二年十月日

Sayagaki :Written by Mr. Tanobe.
Bizen no Kuni Osafune Morimitsu.
Blade length: 1 shaku 3 sun 1 bu (39.7 cm / 15.63 in).
Written by Tanzan Ori in Reiwa Year of Kanoe-Tatsu (2020), Month of Namigetsu.
This piece bears a six-character signature and a date of Oei 24.
Though the width is moderate, it is relatively long in length with a shallow curvature, forming the shape of a flattened Ko-Wakizashi.
The jigane is itame with a prominent straight utsuri and a visible hada.
The hamon is a mix of irregular gunome with an open midare near the base.
The nioiguchi is bright, deeply irregular, and forms a pointed boshi.
A prominent carving of a vajra-accompanied ken (three-pronged sword) is seen—representative of this smith’s notable works.

Chu-koto: Excellent Sharpness (O-wazamono): Jyo Saku – Bizen
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This sword ranks as Jyojyo Saku among works by Bishu Osafune Morimitsu.
Habaki: Single-layered, gold-covered
Blade Length: 39.7 cm (15.63 in)
Curvature: 0.4 cm (0.16 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.78 cm (1.09 in)
Thickness of Rim (Kasane): 0.61 cm (0.24 in)
Sword Weight: 285 g
Era: October, Oei 22 (1415)
Shape: Engraved with a Sanskrit character, ken (straight sword), and claw on the omote side, and ken with Sanskrit character on the ura side.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame well-forged with visible utsuri and beautiful texture.
Hamon: Nioi-based, irregular gunome midare extending to the tip with a pointed return.

Features: Bishu Osafune Morimitsu, also known as Shurijo, was active from around Oei 2 to the Eikyo era.
He and Yasumitsu were renowned smiths of their time.
Morimitsu tended to produce slightly larger pieces with more dynamic midare.
Yasumitsu is known for calm suguha or gentle Bizen-style midare.
Both smiths created blades with prominent utsuri and exceptional jigane.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Shibuichi rim-exposed tsuba featuring chrysanthemum design. The rim is decorated with bamboo imagery and gold-colored details. Signature: Yoshiyuki
Fuchikashira: Shakudo base with plum blossoms and cranes in high relief with gold and silver detailing. Signature: Aizan Yoshiyuki
Saya: Black lacquered saya with carvings
Menuki: High relief of peonies on silver base
Kozuka: Shakudo nanako base with floral motifs in high relief and gold-colored detailing
Includes Kogatana blade

Aoi Art’s Comment: This piece marks the beginning of an era known for the exceptional jigane of Bizen swords.
The refined and dense ko-itame seen in this sword began to flourish in this period.
Utsuri is always clearly visible in such fine works.
The sayagaki by Tanobe-sensei is also included.
In this era, short tantō or slightly extended tantō were common; long swords were rare.
This piece has been well-preserved for many years, and the koshirae is outstanding.
The signed tsuba, fuchikashira, and other fittings appear to share the same stylistic origin and quality.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art Estimation Paper
Whole Oshigata