T56234(S5109) katana signed Bishu Osafune NORIMITSU The eighth month the first year of Ouei	Fujishiro Matsuo Yushu-saku (an excellent work) NBTHK(Tokubetsu Hozon)
Early Muromachi perido (The first year of Ouei/A.D.1467) Bizen Length of cutting edge71.0cm Curvature1.5cm Thickness of base8.4mm Width of base27.9mm Width of Yokote18.4mm
Osafune NORIMITSU first generation, said a son of NAGAMITSU, existing Tanto shows a date of year The third year of KAGEN(1305), The second generation NORIMITSU had been active during Enbun era (mid. 14 th.) and the third gen., said a son of IESUKE was active during OUEI (early 15 th.) It's following generations went down to end of Muromachi period. The subject katana remains thick in kasane, there is abundant hiraniku, wide and deep bo-hi grooves chiselled away to the tang. It's forging pattern is well-kneaded Itame wooden grain marks which is full of beauty, moistened by the chikei thick Nie lines activity. Temper is straight basis, lower area shows indication of Gunome small zig-zag and clove out-line of which ashi works frequently, filled in elegance, whereas upper the blade becomes grace Suguha, small ashi and YOU dots float. The entire jigane contains Utsuri whitish reflection. Early Muromachi period from Hotoku/kansei up to Ouei era, there are a few examples of swords produced at peace before the warning states period and Norimitsu and Sukemitsu, both smiths in Bizen Osafune have been admired for the two greatest sword smiths historically.This is one of the best representative examples among his works and excellent condition is especially praised. This sword is listed and introduced on both Kanto-Hibi-shou (3 rd edition), Meito-zukan (6 th edition). Shira-Saya sayagaki written by Dr. Honma Kunzan. Double layer gold foiled habaki. Click HERE for the higher resolution of image