Description:

East Asia, Japan, Muromachi Period, ca. 14th to 16th century CE. A polished steel katana mumei (unsigned) attributed to the Sue Bizen school and the swordsmith Bisyu Osafune Sukesada. The blade features a blend of Itame-hada wood-grain and Mokume-hada wood-like patterns with Jinie fine mist and Utsuri reflective patterns, while the hamon temper line showcases a Konie-deki Choji midare clove-shaped pattern. Mounted in WWII army koshirae, the handle is covered in stingray skin with brass cherry blossom menuki, wrapped in cotton bindings, topped with an ornate brass pommel and suspension loop. The handle features a release button to detach from the sheath. The brass hand guard has cherry blossom motifs, and the sheath has ring fittings and a cord. This sword was examined by the Society for the Preservation of the Japanese Sword (NBTHK). Included: NBTHK Hozon evaluation papers, an oshigata scroll on rice paper (a rubbing impression of the blade), and appraisal from AOI Art. Size of blade: 28.3" L x 1" W (71.9 cm x 2.5 cm); in sheath: 41" L x 2.5" W (104.1 cm x 6.4 cm)

The Sue Bizen school refers to a group of Japanese swordsmiths from the Bizen province who worked primarily during the late Kamakura to Muromachi periods (approximately 1300-1600 CE). The term "Sue" (meaning "later") distinguishes these smiths from the earlier Bizen swordsmiths of the early Bizen school, which had been founded by Mitsutada around 1249 CE. The Osafune sub-school within Sue Bizen, founded by Mitsutada in the 13th century, produced some of the most well-known swordsmiths in Japanese history. Bisyu Osafune Sukesada was a prominent Japanese swordsmith of the Osafune school, working during the late Muromachi period. He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled smiths in the Bizen tradition, which is renowned for producing some of the finest swords in Japan.

Provenance: private Kihei, Hawaii, USA collection, purchased from AOI Art, Tokyo, Japan, November 18, 2016

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#189517

  • Condition: Blade is polished and excellent. Unsigned. Brass has wear and rubbing to surface and abrasions, but otherwise good condition. The release button is stiff making is difficult to remove the blade from the sheath.

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December 6, 2024 8:00 AM MST
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Artemis Fine Arts

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