katana Katana by Bizen Masamitsu with sayagaki - NBTHK

[Seiko]

This distinctive katana hails from the Nanbokucho Era, characterized by the expert craftsmanship associated with this period. The sword is mumei, attributed to Den Bizen Masamitsu, a fact further validated by the NBTHK, dated October 13, 1979 .

The nagasa (blade length) measures 69.4 cm, with a sori (curve) of 2 cm. Its sugata (shape) is a shinogi-zukuri and iori-mune, with a wide mi-haba that tapers slightly towards the kissaki (point). The kasane (thickness) is substantial, and the kissaki extends just slightly, aligning with the design traditions of this era.

In terms of the blade's jihada (grain pattern), the katana exhibits an itame with hints of mokume mingled within the flowing hada. An appealing touch of ji-nie can be spotted, and the steel boasts plentiful chikei. Furthermore, utsuri can be discerned within the beautifully forged hada.

The hamon (temper line) is a ko-notare with a ko-gunome pattern, with pointed elements also visible. As for activities, ashi and yo can be seen, complemented by fine kinsugi and sunagashi. The boshi (temper pattern in the tip area) showcases a jizo-boshi with a long kaeri.

The nakago (tang) appears suri-age with three mekugi-ana, aligning with the modification traditions of its time.

The sword's form displays the defining characteristics of the Nanbokucho era - a wide mi-haba, slightly extended kissaki, and ample sori. Its hamon and hada further hint at the school of the famed Bizen Osafune smith, Kanemitsu. The NBTHK attributes the blade to Masamitsu, who was among Kanemitsu's top students.

The sword is mounted in a shirasaya with a sayagaki attributing the blade to Bizen Osafune Masamitsu, as confirmed by the renowned sword expert and former head of the NBTHK, Dr. Kanzan Sato.

Kanemitsu, believed to be a student of the Soshu den master Masamune, brought the Soshu style of smithing to Bizen, resulting in the popular Soden-Bizen style. His techniques attracted several top students, including Masamitsu.

Masamitsu's works span around 40 years, from the Enbun to Oei periods. Although a theory exists that two generations may have adopted the Masamitsu name due to a shift in working style, it remains unconfirmed.

Masamitsu's swords have achieved the prestigious Juyo Token rank, indicating high quality and significance. Given this sword's features and quality, it stands as a promising candidate for the NBTHK Juyo Token shinsa, further increasing its value and importance. This katana thus presents a remarkable blend of artistry, history, and tradition in the sphere of Japanese sword-making.

Price : $2500

[Seiko]

Please ask me at : contact@tokyo-nihonto.com if you wish to have more pictures. The forum is limited in term of images size.

Thanks !

[eternal_newbie]

I think you may have left out a zero on that listed price...

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

21 minutes ago, eternal_newbie said:

I think you may have left out a zero on that listed price...

green papers....price seems ok to me

[ChrisW]

Late 70's green papers. I agree with Jesse here. If new papers? Then you could ask more.

[Seiko]

For those asking, you can see more details here : https://tokyo-nihont...cts/katana-shirasaya

[vajo]

Beyond the papers it is a nice sword and the boshi looks very sexy to me.

Its mumei so there is no problem to get hozon if someone need it.

With that long nagasa of 69 cm it is a very nice pickup.

A koto sword for $36 per cm is a bargin. And that nice sayagaki puhh. 

The shirasaya looks beautiful too.

 

 

 

[Seiko]

19 minutes ago, vajo said:

Beyond the papers it is a nice sword and the boshi looks very sexy to me.

Its mumei so there is no problem to get hozon if someone need it.

With that long nagasa of 69 cm it is a very nice pickup.

A koto sword for $36 per cm is a bargin. And that nice sayagaki puhh. 

The shirasaya looks beautiful too.

 

 

 

Thanks a lot for your comment. We got this blade by a collector's collection who passed away. The person who collected this sword has long since passed away. In his last days, he was in poor health and gave up on applying for the important sword examination he was looking forward to.

[MHC]

Hello Seiko,

PM sent

 

Mark Cannaday