AS25032 Wakizashi: Bizen Koku Ju Osafune Shichibei no Jo Sukesada Dated: A lucky day in February, Meireki 3 (1657)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number：AS25032

Wakizashi: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Bizen Koku Ju Osafune Shichibei no Jo Sukesada
Dated: A lucky day in February, Meireki 3 (1657)
備前国住長船七兵衛尉祐定
明暦三年二月吉日

We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku among the works by Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Shichibei no Jo Sukesada.
Habaki: Gold foil single-piece
Blade Length: 51.4 cm (20.24 in)
Curvature: 1.5 cm (0.59 in)
Mekugi Hole: 1
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.79 cm (1.10 in)
Width at Tip: 2.05 cm (0.81 in)
Thickness: 0.72 cm (0.28 in)
Sword Weight: 505 g
Era: Early Edo period, Meireki 3 (1657)
Shape: The blade has ample width and thickness with a deep curvature, and the kissaki is slightly extended.
Jigane: Fine ko-itame hada, well-forged and of excellent quality.
Hamon: Large gunome-midare with muneyaki on the shinogi-ji.
The boshi is in ichimai style.

Features: This piece is signed with the honorary title “Shichibei no Jo,” which suggests it was made for someone of high status, likely of daimyo class.
It is a well-preserved blade with rich niku (meat) and carefully finished nakago.
Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Shichibei no Jo Sukesada was the legitimate son of Tōshirō Sukesada and is considered the fifth-generation descendant of Eishōkōzōzaemon.
He passed away in Enpō 2 (1674) at the age of 98.
At a glance, this sword gives the impression of a Sue-Bizen piece.

Koshirae:
Tsuba: Vertical oval-shaped shakudo nanakoji tsuba with fukurin rim.
High relief carving of dragon and clouds with gold iroe (coloring).
Fuchikashira: Shakudo nanakoji with plant motifs carved and decorated with gold iroe.
Saya (Scabbard): Aogai chirashi (scattered shell inlay).
Kojiri: Silver with a baton (saibai) motif.
Menuki: Shakudo with plant motifs carved and decorated with gold iroe.
Kozuka: Suaka base with high relief carving of cloud dragon and gold iroe.
Kogatana (Small Blade): Chōji hamon.
Signature: Hachiman Hokuso….

Aoi Art’s Comment: The condition of this sword by Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Shichibei no Jo Sukesada is excellent.
The koshirae fittings are themed around dragons, and are finely crafted.

Historical Background: This work dates to just before the Kanbun era of the Edo period, a time when Bizen sword production had nearly collapsed due to flooding in the late Muromachi period.
During the Edo period, Bizen swordsmithing significantly declined as the demand for practical swords diminished.
Nonetheless, Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Shichibei no Jo Sukesada, who was active around Meireki 3 (1657), is considered one of the last true Bizen swordsmiths.
Highly recommended for acquisition.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata