{"product_id":"antique-japanese-sword-katana-by-bizen-masamitsu-with-sayagaki-nbthk-kicho","title":"Antique Japanese Sword Katana by Bizen Masamitsu with sayagaki - NBTHK Kicho","description":"\u003cp\u003e This distinctive katana hails from the\u003cstrong\u003e Nanbokucho Era\u003c\/strong\u003e, characterized by the expert craftsmanship associated with this period. The sword is mumei, attributed to\u003cstrong\u003e Bizen Masamitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e, a fact further validated by the NBTHK\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003edated October 13, 1979 .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nagasa (blade length) measures \u003cstrong\u003e69.4 cm,\u003c\/strong\u003e with a sori (curve) of \u003cstrong\u003e2 cm.\u003c\/strong\u003e Its sugata (shape) is a\u003cstrong\u003e shinogi-zukuri\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eiori-mune\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a wide \u003cstrong\u003emi-haba\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of the blade's jihada (grain pattern), the katana exhibits an i\u003cstrong\u003etame with hints of mokume mingled within the flowing hada\u003c\/strong\u003e. An appealing touch of \u003cstrong\u003eji-nie\u003c\/strong\u003e can be spotted, and the steel boasts plentiful \u003cstrong\u003echikei\u003c\/strong\u003e. Furthermore, \u003cstrong\u003eutsuri\u003c\/strong\u003e can be discerned within the beautifully forged hada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hamon (temper line) is a \u003cstrong\u003eko-notare with a ko-gunome pattern\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003ejizo-boshi\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong\u003elong kaeri\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nakago (tang) appears suri-age with three mekugi-ana, aligning with the modification traditions of its time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword's form displays the defining characteristics of the \u003cstrong\u003eNanbokucho era\u003c\/strong\u003e - a wide mi-haba, slightly extended kissaki, and \u003cstrong\u003eample sori\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its hamon and hada further hint at \u003cstrong\u003ethe school of the famed Bizen Osafune smith\u003c\/strong\u003e, Kanemitsu. The NBTHK attributes the blade to Masamitsu, who was among Kanemitsu's top students.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword is mounted in a shirasaya with a \u003cstrong\u003esayagaki\u003c\/strong\u003e attributing the blade to \u003cstrong\u003eBizen Osafune Masamitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e, as confirmed by the renowned sword expert and former head of the NBTHK, Dr. Kanzan Sato.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKanemitsu, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMasamitsu's works span around 40 years\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tokyo Nihonto","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43199507365971,"sku":"65e2299d5b066","price":3200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/8092\/6035\/files\/3_d6ea8057-b443-4b95-aa3a-1dbb1cee9622.png?v=1762246506","url":"https:\/\/hundredswords.store\/products\/antique-japanese-sword-katana-by-bizen-masamitsu-with-sayagaki-nbthk-kicho","provider":"hundredswords","version":"1.0","type":"link"}