{"product_id":"antique-japanese-katana-sword-by-sue-bizen-hozon","title":"Antique Japanese Katana Sword by Sue Bizen (Hozon)","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSword Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sue-Bizen School \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Muromachi (15th–16th Century)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate:\u003c\/strong\u003e NBTHK Hozon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 61.8 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurvature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.3 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWidth at Base:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.02 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWidth at Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.46 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness at Base:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.76 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness at Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.60 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 736 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis outstanding \u003cstrong\u003eSue-Bizen\u003c\/strong\u003e katana originates from the \u003cstrong\u003elate Muromachi period (15th–16th century)\u003c\/strong\u003e and has been officially certified as a \u003cstrong\u003eHozon Token\u003c\/strong\u003e by the \u003cstrong\u003eNBTHK\u003c\/strong\u003e. The blade is an \u003cstrong\u003eŌsuriage Mumei\u003c\/strong\u003e sword, meaning it has been shortened from its original length, a common practice for battle-ready swords.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sue-Bizen school, active in the famous sword-making region of \u003cstrong\u003eOsafune, Bizen\u003c\/strong\u003e, produced some of the finest cutting swords in Japan. This tradition includes renowned swordsmiths such as \u003cstrong\u003eYoshisada, Katsumitsu, Kiyomitsu, Tadamitsu,\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eHarumitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e. These blades were highly sought after during the turbulent \u003cstrong\u003eSengoku Jidai (Warring States Period)\u003c\/strong\u003e, known for their strength and cutting performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe katana features a \u003cstrong\u003eclassic Bizen hada (steel grain structure)\u003c\/strong\u003e, blending \u003cstrong\u003etight itame (straight wood grain), mokume (burl pattern), and nagare (flowing grain)\u003c\/strong\u003e. The presence of a clear \u003cstrong\u003eutsuri, \u003c\/strong\u003e—a shadowy reflection effect—adds further depth to the blade’s appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ehamon \u003c\/strong\u003e is an exquisite \u003cstrong\u003egunome-chōji midare\u003c\/strong\u003e, blending wave-like and clove-shaped patterns. The tempering is deeply \u003cstrong\u003enioi-based\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003esunagashi (sand streaks) and nie-suji (hardened steel lines)\u003c\/strong\u003e, showcasing the masterful heat treatment of the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMountings \u0026amp; Special Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabaki:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unique two-tone habaki featuring gold-plated upper and silver-plated lower.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShirasaya:\u003c\/strong\u003e Newly crafted, high-quality plain wooden storage scabbard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expertly polished by a professional artisan to enhance the steelwork and blade aesthetics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Sue-Bizen Swords\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sue-Bizen school, active in the \u003cstrong\u003elate 15th to 16th centuries\u003c\/strong\u003e, was one of the most influential sword-making traditions in Japan. Known as the \u003cstrong\u003e“Sword Kingdom of Japan”\u003c\/strong\u003e, Bizen produced an unparalleled number of blades that were used in battle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis katana is a \u003cstrong\u003ehighly refined example of late-period Bizen craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring a powerful, broad structure and an exceptionally beautiful hamon. Recently released from a private collection, it stands as a remarkable historical and functional piece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokyo Nihonto","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43199490261075,"sku":null,"price":3600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/8092\/6035\/files\/P1077532-Avecaccentuation-NR_d144d555-f43c-4c3b-ac32-ef56935a907e.jpg?v=1762246415","url":"https:\/\/hundredswords.store\/products\/antique-japanese-katana-sword-by-sue-bizen-hozon","provider":"hundredswords","version":"1.0","type":"link"}