Bizen Osafune Motoshige Naginata Naoshi Katana in Shirasaya 22nd NBTHK Juyo Token

[zdenek-s]

Bizen Osafune Motoshige Naginata Naoshi Katana in Shirasaya 22nd NBTHK Juyo Token

 

Koto: Jyo Jyo Saku: Saijo O-Wazamono: Bizen

 

1. Basic Information

• Type: Naginata Naoshi Katana
• Period: Late Kamakura period (Kenmu era, 1334)
• Blade Length: 68.6 cm (27.01 inches)
• Certification: 22nd NBTHK Juyo Token

 

2. Description and Features

• Signature: Unsigned (Mumei), attributed to Den Motoshige by NBTHK, Dr. Kanzan Sato and Tanobe Sensei attribute directly to Motoshige. 
• Habaki: Gold-foiled double Habaki featuring the Tachibana family crest, associated with the Ii clan, notably Ii Naomasa, a renowned general under Tokugawa Ieyasu. You can read more for example here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ii_clan
• Curvature: 2.2 cm (0.87 inches)
• Weight: 735 grams
• Motohaba (Width at Base): 2.95 cm (1.16 inches)
• Thickness: 0.74 cm (0.29 inches)
• Peg Holes: 1

 

3. Blade Characteristics

• Polish: The blade has been professionally re-polished to enhance its overall appearance and historical value.
• Shape: Originally a large Naginata from the Nanbokucho period, reshaped into a Uchigatana.
• Jigane (Steel Texture): High-quality Itame Hada mixed with Mokume Hada, featuring Chikei. The Jigane is clear. There are visible Utsuri on the blade.
• Hamon (Temper Line): Suguha base with Choji Midare pattern, including square Gunome and small Gunome. Features Uchinoke, Ashi, Yo, small Nie, Kinsuji, and Sunagashi.
• Historical Features: Signs of wear from polishing and use in battle, indicative of its age and authenticity as a warrior’s weapon. The spine of the blade shows minor "kirikomi" (battle scars), marks from clashes with other swords, further emphasizing its honorable history as a weapon of war.

 

4. Historical Context

This sword is a vivid testament to the turbulent and rich history of its time, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and traditions of the Bizen Osafune school. The lineage and quality of this blade reflect the high regard in which it was held by its owners throughout the centuries.

• Provenance: The sword bears sayagaki inscriptions on both its old and new shirasaya:
  • Old Shirasaya: Sayagaki by Dr. Kanzan Sato (1968), reading: "Bizen Koku Motoshige Mumei. The blade length is 2 Shaku 2 Sun 3 Bu, written by Dr. Kanzan in winter 1968." This Sayagaki was written prior to the issuance of the NBTHK Juyo Token certificate.
  • New Shirasaya: Sayagaki by Tanobe Sensei (2024), reading: "The 22nd NBTHK Juyo Token: Bizen Kuni Motoshige. This is an unsigned work that was originally a large Naginata during the Nanbokucho period and has been reshaped into a Uchigatana. The steel has an Itame Hada that stands out, mixed with Mokume Hada and Ji-Hada creating a flow with a faint and disturbed reflection. Based on a Choji Midare pattern, the Hamon includes square Gunome and small Gunome, with the presence of Uchinoke, Ashi, Yo, small Nie, and Sunagashi, indicating a mix of Aoe characteristics within the Bizen tradition, showcasing the distinct quality of the same craftsman. Blade Length: 68.6 cm (27.01 in). Dated: Kinoe-Tatsu (Year of the Dragon), Kisaragi (February). Tanzan Signature (Kaō)."

 

5. Mountings (Koshirae)

• This sword is currently housed in a new shirasaya and includes the old shirasaya for preservation and historical significance.

 

6. Sale Conditions

• Price: €29.000
• Shipping: International shipping available; Shipping and export costs are added to the sword price, shipping in EU is free of charge. It is possible to come and to check and pick up the sword in Prague, Czech Republic, EU.
• Payment: Bank to Bank (free of charge), Revolut Bank Transfer (free of charge, buyer’s protection) or PayPal - PayPal fees are added to the sword price.

 

 

You may find original quality images on this link: https://drive.google...RRv3ZJy6?usp=sharing

 

 

This sword is a rare and exceptional work by Osafune Motoshige, recognized as Saijo O-Wazamono and rated Jyo-Jyo Saku by Fujishiro. Its elegant sugata and exceptionally beautiful jihada highlight the mastery of its maker, while the hamon is rich with hataraki, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and artistic brilliance. As a whole, this blade stands as a historically significant example of Motoshige's work, with a fascinating connection to the Ii Naomasa clan and its ties to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Although there is no direct documentary evidence, it is safe to say that this sword was cherished as a family heirloom by members of the clan. For collectors and enthusiasts, this is a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of history that represents the finest qualities of Koto craftsmanship. The presence of two shirasaya, each bearing sayagaki by renowned experts Dr. Kanzan Sato and Tanobe Sensei, further enhances its historical and artistic value, making it an extraordinary sword.

[zdenek-s]

[zdenek-s]

[zdenek-s]

[zdenek-s]

[zdenek-s]

[zdenek-s]

Purchase inside of EU: No customs restrictions in EU, no VAT and no customs duty has to be paid for shipping to EU countries. No customs issues for EU buyers. 

 

International Purchase: There are needed export papers from the Czech Republic, if the sword is sold out of EU. Please, allow about 4 weeks to process the export papers. All international orders are subject to customs and duty fees as defined by the country of import. Customs and duty fees are not included in your order and/or shipping total. The Seller is not responsible for fees associated with imports. All fees must be paid by the parcel recipient. International buyers, please, check your domestic law, whether you can legally import swords. If not, the seller does not take any reponsibility for this. 

 

 

Please, contact me by a PM or send an email to my address zdenek-s@volny.cz, if you are interested in this sword or if you may have any questions or proposals. 

 

 

[zdenek-s]

I forgot, there is a detailed image of Motoshige Jihada

[zdenek-s]

And there is the Kirikomi on the Mune. 

[zdenek-s]

I have just created also this eBay listing: https://www.ebay.com/itm/186886696935

 

[ROKUJURO]

With this length, it was perhaps a NAGAMAKI originally?

[zdenek-s]

It is very difficult to determine. I think it was a long Naginata, as per its Sugata. Tanobe-sensei says the same - see his Sayagaki. But of course, it is impossible to say with 100% certainity.

[zdenek-s]

As for the question, whether the sword was originally Nagamaki, I would like to add this explanation text from NBTHK Juyo certificate:

This work is a naginata-naoshi blade, which shows the typical characteristics of a naginata reshaped during the Nanbokucho period. It is attributed to Bizen Osafune Motoshige, and the style of craftsmanship strongly supports this attribution.

 

I think it says everything. 

[Robert S]

Gorgeous piece, although unfortunately beyond my current price range.

[zdenek-s]

Thank you, Robert. 

[zdenek-s]

I also include AI full translation of Juyo Papers. As it is AI translation, I'm sorry if there are any errors.. 

Yellow Paper:

22nd Important Sword Designation
Designation Document

One naginata-naoshi katana by Motoshige

• Blade length: 66.7 cm
• Curvature: 1.9 cm

Shape:
Naginata-naoshi, with iori-mune (ridged back).

Forging:
Itame hada mixed with large itame hada, featuring flowing grain patterns. The steel surface shows prominent activity, with ji-nie (tiny martensitic particles), chikei (steel lines), ashi (leg-like features), yo (leaf-like patterns), and sunagashi (sweeping lines).

Engravings (Horimono):
Naginata hi (groove) with an additional auxiliary groove.

Nakago (Tang):
Greatly shortened (o-suriage), with a kuri-jiri (rounded) tip. File marks (yasurime) are katte-sagari (diagonal downwards). One mekugi-ana (peg hole).

Based on the examination by this association, this blade has been designated as an Important Sword.

Date of Designation: June 1
Organization: Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords)
President: Honma Junji

 

White Paper:

 

Naginata-Naoshi Katana
Unsigned (Mumei), Attributed to Den Motoshige

Date of Designation: June 1, Showa 49 (1974)
22nd Important Sword Designation

Owner: Hashimoto Naoji, Toyama Prefecture

Specifications:

• Length: 68.7 cm
• Curvature: 1.9 cm
• Motohaba (Width at Base): 2.8 cm
• Nakago Length: 19.0 cm
• Nakago Curvature: 0.1 cm

Forging:

• Itame hada mixed with large itame, showing a slightly coarse texture. Ji-nie (metallic particles) are present on the surface.

Hamon:

• Straight (suguha) with ashi and yo, featuring frequent sunagashi (sweeping lines). Small nie (martensitic particles) are visible.

Shape:

• Naginata-naoshi with iorimune (ridged back) and slight curvature.

Boshi (Tip):

• Straight, yakitsume (tempered to the tip).

Engravings (Horimono):

• Naginata hi (groove) with an additional groove, flowing downwards.

Nakago (Tang):

• Greatly shortened (o-suriage), with kuri-jiri (rounded end). File marks (yasurime) are katte-sagari (diagonal downwards). One mekugi-ana (peg hole). Unsigned.

Explanation:
This work is a naginata-naoshi blade, which shows the typical characteristics of a naginata reshaped during the Nanbokucho period. It is attributed to Bizen Osafune Motoshige, and the style of craftsmanship strongly supports this attribution.

[zdenek-s]

Given the value and significance of this Bizen Osafune Motoshige JUYO Token sword, I understand the importance of trust in such a transaction. To ensure security and transparency for both parties, arranging the transaction through Escrow.com, a trusted third-party service specializing in high-value transactions, can be agreed upon.

[zdenek-s]

There are some additional information concerning the Habaki Tachibana Mon: