Antique Japanese Sword Katana by Bizen Masamitsu with sayagaki - NBTHK Kicho

 This distinctive katana hails from the Nanbokucho Era, characterized by the expert craftsmanship associated with this period. The sword is mumei, attributed to Bizen Masamitsu, a fact further validated by the NBTHK, dated October 13, 1979 .

The nagasa (blade length) measures 69.4 cm, with a sori (curve) of 2 cm. Its sugata (shape) is a shinogi-zukuri and iori-mune, with a wide mi-haba that tapers slightly towards the kissaki (point). The kasane (thickness) is substantial, and the kissaki extends just slightly, aligning with the design traditions of this era.

In terms of the blade's jihada (grain pattern), the katana exhibits an itame with hints of mokume mingled within the flowing hada. An appealing touch of ji-nie can be spotted, and the steel boasts plentiful chikei. Furthermore, utsuri can be discerned within the beautifully forged hada.

The hamon (temper line) is a ko-notare with a ko-gunome pattern, with pointed elements also visible. As for activities, ashi and yo can be seen, complemented by fine kinsugi and sunagashi. The boshi (temper pattern in the tip area) showcases a jizo-boshi with a long kaeri.

The nakago (tang) appears suri-age with three mekugi-ana, aligning with the modification traditions of its time.

The sword's form displays the defining characteristics of the Nanbokucho era - a wide mi-haba, slightly extended kissaki, and ample sori. Its hamon and hada further hint at the school of the famed Bizen Osafune smith, Kanemitsu. The NBTHK attributes the blade to Masamitsu, who was among Kanemitsu's top students.

The sword is mounted in a shirasaya with a sayagaki attributing the blade to Bizen Osafune Masamitsu, as confirmed by the renowned sword expert and former head of the NBTHK, Dr. Kanzan Sato.

Kanemitsu, believed to be a student of the Soshu den master Masamune, brought the Soshu style of smithing to Bizen, resulting in the popular Soden-Bizen style. His techniques attracted several top students, including Masamitsu.

Masamitsu's works span around 40 years, from the Enbun to Oei periods. Although a theory exists that two generations may have adopted the Masamitsu name due to a shift in working style, it remains unconfirmed.