AS25370 Tachi:Bishū Osafune Tomosada (Ko-zori) (48th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Ordering number:AS25370

Tachi: in Shirasaya, with Koshirae (48th NBTHK Juyo Token)

Signature:　Bishū Osafune Tomosada (Ko-zori)
備州長船友貞(小反り)

Sayagaki: Bishū Osafune Tomosada, Ko-zori-mono
Blade length: 2 shaku 1 sun 9 bu (66.5 cm)
Written by Dr. Kunzan (with kaō)

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This piece is ranked as Saijyo Saku (highest rank) among the works of Bishū Osafune Tomosada.
Habaki: Single gold-covered habaki
Blade Length: 66.5 cm (26.18 in)
Curvature: 2.91 cm (1.15 in)
Mekugi Hole: 4
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.91 cm (1.15 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.89 cm (0.74 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.79 cm (0.31 in)
Sword Weight: 655 g
Era: Nanbokuchō period
Shape: The blade has standard width, thick kasane, and deep curvature.
It features a bōhi (full-length groove) and an extended kissaki, showing a refined and elegant shape.
Jigane: Itame mixed with mokume, forming a well-forged and densely packed texture.
A faint utsuri (shadow pattern) appears.
Hamon: Nioi-based gunome-midare mixed with angular elements.
Features include ko-ashi, ha, ko-nie, and sunagashi.
The boshi turns back sharply with a pointed tip.

Features: According to the book “Kokin Kaji Shiko”, Tomosada was active around the Ōei era in Bizen Osafune.
However, based on the workmanship and the style of the signature, this piece is presumed to be from the late Nanbokuchō period.
This tachi features a flowing itame and mokume jigane with visible hada and fine ji-nie.
Chikei-like small patterns appear, along with ko-ashi, ha, and fine nie, indicating high-quality workmanship.
The signature is also slightly small in size, further representing Tomosada’s style.
No other known examples of signed Tomosada exist, making this a rare and important reference for his work.
Tomosada belonged to the Ko-zori school of Bizen and is known for outstanding craftsmanship.
The hamon shows gentle gunome-midare, a visible utsuri, and a deep curvature, forming an elegant blade.
This sword also comes with a sayagaki by Dr. Kunzan.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Iron tsuba with openwork (sukashi) design.
Iron bones (tekotsu) are visible on the rim.
Fuchi: Shakudo ground carved with waves, shells, and crabs, with gold inlay.
Kashira: Made of horn.
Saya: Glossy black lacquered saya (kuro ro-iro saya).
Menuki: Carved with animal motifs.
Kōgai: Shakudo nanako ground with rinpō (sacred wheel) motif.
Kozuka: Carved with plant motifs and decorated with gold inlay.
Includes a small utility knife with a bamboo handle.

Aoi Art’s Comment: This is a superbly made Tachi by Bishū Osafune Tomosada, with clearly visible utsuri.
The well-forged jigane is particularly beautiful, and the koshirae is also exceptional.
Highly recommended.

48th NBTHK Juyo Token (Reissued Certificate)
Aoi Art estimation paper with Whole Oshigata