Koto era (16th Century) Katana by Sukesada

(Signed: Bizen-koku-ju Osafune SUKESADA)

This elegant Katana comes with an NBTHK Hozon paper attesting to its authenticity and quality.

Koto Era, End of Muromachi period (Seventh year of Tensho A.D.1579) Bizen
Length of cutting edge: 67.3cm Curvature 2.0cm Width of base 31.8mm Width of Yokote 20.7mm Thickness of base 7.0mm

Sugata (configuration) : Shinogi-zukuri, Low Iori-mune. Mihaba is wide and there is a bit deep curvature. The blade is massive, high shinogi ridge and rich in hiraniku leading to a large kissaki, heavy in the hand, well-proportioned sword which holds an almost original shape during the passage of 430 years.

Kitae (forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is conspicuous Itame-hada (wooden grain) and Mokume (burl marks) mixing in with the swelling masame hada pattern both in cutting edge and shinogi-ji. Hiraji is covered in deep and speckled Ji-nie that generates reflecting irregular whitish Utsuri reflection effect clearly over the surface.

Hamon (tempering pattern) : Hamon forms generally Notare swelling pattern to review in detail, shows small gunome zigzag mixing in with combined choji-ha (clove out-line). Upper the monouchi area, deeper the Nioi and stronger Nie that generates Kinsen and Sunagashi (darkish nie lines). The entire temper is vividly bright and clear.

Boshi (tip): The temper of the tip is Midarekomi irregular lines, blazing up indication then small circle turns back.

Nakago (tang) : UBU original which holds an original clear file-mark SUJIKAI slanting left with one mekugi-ana retaining hole. The signature in hakiomite is clearly chiselled starting with the work of place (Bizen-koku-ju, Osafune) and the smith name (SUKESADA) on the shinogi surface and the reversed side is chiselled the date of year (The second month, seventh year of Tensho) (A.D.1579). Signature show a lovely patina with clear marks from the original chisel.

Swords by smith SUKESADA in Bizen province, had been admired throughout Muromachi up to Azuchi-Momoyama (end of the 16th century) one of the best - durable and best cutting performance katana by samurai warriors. The subject katana holds an almost original shape over the warring states Azuchi Momoyama period before the Tokugawas came to power 1603.
This katana is just completed with fresh polish to hold rich and massive volume and thick in kasane with high shibogi-ridge, with well-proportioned deep curve. Heavy in the hand, solid construction and broad point, showing a brave samurai spirit. It is entirely and splendidly active with whitish reflection of Utsuri and thick nie outline activity in the interior of temper. The entire blade is strikingly healthy and is in an excellent condition for the age 430 years. it's workmanship is hidden an awe-inspiring power. Among similar works of Osafune, this blade is a delight.
Copper habaki with silver foiled collar, Shira-Saya Plain wood mounting.