A64242(S3278) Katana signed Bishu Osafune SUKESADA In the 2nd month, 9th year of Eisho NBTHK(Hozon)
Koto end of Muromachi period (Eisho 9/1512) Bizen
Length of cutting edge 69.6cm Curvature 2.6cm Width of base 29.7mm Width of Yokote 17.4mm Thickness of base 7.8mm
Blade construction: Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune, Kasane is thick. Mihaba on base is a bit on wider side standing firmly with "Funbari". There is appropriate degree of tapering from base to point holding deep waist pointed curvature as well as upper pointed curve in good proportion that leads to a medium tip "Kissaki". The entire blade creates a heroic atmosphere during the Warning States period. (click HERE for higher resolution image of the entire blade)
Forging(Hada): Forging is Itame-hada, mixing in Mokume-hada. The entire Hiraji-surface is covered in speckled Ji-nie that generates reflecting irregular blinking "Utsuri" effect over the surface.
Temper(Hamon): Hamon is a bit on stronger side Nie hard metal granules base, combination of undulating small Gunome and tassel-shape Clove Choji where works with deep sparkling-Nie and deep Noi mist-like crystalline area. Some temper shows an indication of Yubashiri splashes over the surface. In the interior of temper, there works with generous activities of Nie feet of Ashi in different angles.
Temper of tip(Boshi): Boshi forms irregular Midarekomi.
Tang(Nakago): Nakago is in UBU original. Two peg retaining holes. Katte-sagari (slightly slanting left) filemarks. Back ridge of Nakago is flat. The Nakago is relatively short for the cutting edge, double-bevelled heel mark in full so called Kurijiri. The signature in front is clearly chiselled, Bishu Osafune SUKESADA 備州長船祐定 and the other side is chiselled the date of year In the 2nd month, the 9th year of Eisho (1512).

Powerful clans or generals from Waring States Period caused disturbance to the Azuchi Momoyama state, they required massive volume and thick in kasane with high shinogi-ridge holding well-harmonized curvature for martial utility advantage.

Japanese sword so called Sue Bizen 末備前, is sometimes called Eisho Bizen 永正備前, covers Bizen swords in Koto on after Eisho before Bunroku (ca.1504 - 95). Katsumitsu 勝光, Tadamitsu 忠光, Munemitsu 宗光, Kiyomitsu 清光, Sukesada 祐定 were the most distinguished sword makers among Sue Bizen makers.

The subject Sukesada 祐定 sword is deep in curve which was designed for fast draw out from scabbard and suitable length of Nakago for one hand battle. Extremely strengthened construction in thick Kasane and high in shinogi-suji ridge with massive volume of Hiraniku. Durable Itame wooden structure forging method with a bit on harder-side quench hardening with defused reflection of steel Utsuri, those factors were designed for ultimate durability as well as supreme sharp cutting performance.
This katana presents typical workmanship of Sue Bizen works and Nakago holds nice taste of patina in very good condition over 500 years in full of brave Samurai spirit from the Warning States period.

Silver foiled single layer copper Habaki collar, preserved in a Shirasaya plain wood mounting.
Recent polish/Condition scale: very good (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor)

*The latter half of Medieval Muromachi period, starting with The Onin War (応仁の乱 Onin no Ran) / (1467-77), the length and style of Japanese swords had changed - Eisho-Daiei(1504-27) it was generally 2.0 - 2.1 shaku(60-63cm) which was suitable for one-hand grip, Kyoroku-Tenbun(1528-40) it had become a bit longer to 2.2 shaku(66cm), then Ganki-Tenso(1570-91) it became further longer to 2.3 shaku or even more(70cm) and Nakago(tang) became getting longer accordingly which was designed in the style of both hands grip.
 
Katana signed Bishu Osafune SUKESADA In the 2nd month, 9thyear of Eisho
Katana signed Bishu Osafune SUKESADA In the 2nd month, 9thyear of Eisho
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