AS23243 Wakizashi:: Bishu Osafune Katsumitsu Kojima Date: Bunkatsu 16, 8th month, auspicious day (August 1484)(NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Ordering number:AS23243

Wakizashi in Shirasaya with Shikomizue Koshirae (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token)

Signature: Bishu Osafune Katsumitsu Kojima
Date: Bunkatsu 16, 8th month, auspicious day (August 1484)
備州長船勝光児島
文明十六年八月吉日

Sue-Koto / Saijyo Saku / Ō 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 for Bishu Osafune Katsumitsu Kojima.
Habaki: One-piece silver and one-piece suaka (bare copper)
Blade Length: 50.6 cm (19.92 in)
Curvature: 1.3 cm (0.51 in)
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 2.60 cm (1.02 in)
Width at Tip (Sakihaba): 1.56 cm (0.61 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.59 cm (0.23 in)
Sword Weight: 350 g
Era: Muromachi period, Bunkatsu 16 (1484)
Shape:Standard width and thickness, mitsumune (three-sided spine).
Deep curvature with a slightly extended kissaki.
Jigane:Well-forged ko-itame hada with visible utsuri (shadow patterns).
Hamon:Nie-based clear gunome-midare.
The boshi shows irregular activity.

Features:The term Kojima in the signature Katsumitsu Kojima likely refers to a historical place name—an island or district formerly located in Kibi or Bizen Province, known from historical records.
This piece is housed in a shikomizue (cane sword) koshirae, and it is rare to find such an old sword preserved in such fine condition within this type of mounting.

Aoi Art’s Comment:　As you may know, during the Meiji period, private ownership of Japanese swords was prohibited.
In response, many swords were concealed inside canes (shikomizue) to avoid confiscation under strict government crackdowns.
During the early Meiji years, political unrest between imperial loyalists and the shogunate persisted, leading to creative methods of preserving functional swords.
High-quality blades, including works from the Kanbun Shinto and older koto pieces like this one, were often hidden this way.
This well-preserved example is currently housed in a shirasaya.

*Please check the condition of the koshirae tsuka (handle) before placing your order. If you wish to request repairs at the time of purchase, please feel free to consult with us.

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token
Aoi Art estimation paper
Whole Oshigata

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.