AS25327 Wakizashi: Bizen Osafune Tsuneie(NBTHK Hozon Token)

Wakizashi in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature:
Bizen Osafune Tsuneie 備前長船経家
Bunan 2 Nen 2 Gatsu Hi (February, 1445) 文安二年二月吉日　　　　

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for Bizen Osafune Tsuneie.

Habaki: Single plain copper with gold iroe
Blade Length: 1 shaku 0 sun 7 bu (32.4cm , 12.8in)
Curvature: 1 bu (0.3cm / 0.1in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.58cm (1.02in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.55cm (0.22in)
Sword Weight: 240 g

Era: Mid-Muromachi period (1445)
Shape: Shobu-zukuri
Jigane: Itame grain pattern with intense utsuri appearing.
Hamon: Nioi-base thin suguha.

Features: Bizen Osafune Tsuneie is said to have been the son of Osafune Mitsuhisa.
He is known for making many wakizashi, often with suguha, and frequently in gunome-choji.
This piece, dated Bun’an 2 (1445), is a shobu-zukuri in suguha with finely made koshirae.
Highly recommended.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: small Mokko-shaped iron tsuba carved with a design of a moon and flowers.
Fuchikashira: Shakudonanako base carved with pine trees, waves, a crane and a turtle. Inscription: Mogarashi Nyudo Soten Sei 藻柄子入道宗典製
Menuki: Design of Millet Ears
Kozuka: Shakudonanako base carved with flower motif

NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate
Aoi Art estimation paper: Whole Oshigata