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Tokyo Nihonto

Osafune Sukesada Wakizashi with Lion Motif Koshirae - NBTHK Hozon

Osafune Sukesada Wakizashi with Lion Motif Koshirae - NBTHK Hozon

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This Wakizashi, attributed to the esteemed Sukesada lineage, is a fine example of late Muromachi period craftsmanship, featuring koshirae that is as functional as it is ornamental.

Specifications:

Attribued to Osafune Sukesada
Mei: Mumei
Period:
late Muromachi

Overall Koshirae Length: 83.0 cm
Blade Length: 59.6 cm
Curvature (Sori): 2.0 cm
Nakago (Tang) Length: 14.3 cm
Motohaba (Base Width): 3.0 cm
Motokasane (Base Thickness): 0.62 cm
Sakihaba (Tip Width): 2.03 cm
Sakikasane (Tip Thickness): 0.34 cm
Blade Weight: 574 g

Certificate: NBTHK Hozon Token

Blade Features:
The blade boasts a midare (irregular) pattern, likely gunome midare, which is characterized by undulating patterns resembling rolling waves or cloves, indicative of the Sukesada smiths' skill.

Mountings (Koshirae):
The koshirae includes fittings adorned with intricate lion motifs. These embellishments are not just decorative but also serve as a nod to the power and nobility that samurai swords often symbolize.

Accessories:
A kozuka (small utility knife) is present, complementing the sword's aesthetic and enhancing its status as a complete piece.

Condition:
The sword comes with a preservation sword appraisal certificate, confirming its authenticity and value.
The blade is in a state befitting its age, free from significant damage such as cuts or bulges, preserving its historical integrity.

Historical Significance:
Sukesada smiths are renowned for their contributions to sword-making during the turbulent late Muromachi period. The swords from this group are celebrated for their sharpness and durability, reflecting the martial needs of the time.

The Osafune school was started by Mitsutada in the Kamakura period and became the top sword-making school in Bizen province, popular with samurai and lords for their high-quality swords, known as Osafunemono. Key swordsmiths from this school included the Osafune Sansaku - Nagamitsu, Sanenaga, and Kagemitsu, and the Osafune Shiten-no - Nagamitsu, Kanemitsu, Nagayoshi, and Motoshige.

BIZEN, located near the Chugoku Mountains and the Yoshi River, had plenty of iron sand and resources for sword making. The area's sword-making tradition started in the late Heian period with the Ko-Bizen swordsmiths. Their techniques were passed down, helping the Osafune school thrive by making top-quality swords.

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Payment

You can pay by Bank card or Bank transfer. If you wish to use bank transfer please contact us using the form bellow with the name of the sword you are willing to buy.

Customs and Taxes

・Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
・These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.

Shipping and Return

  • Swords are shipped from Tokyo, Japan. We manage all the procedures to export the sword.
  • You can't return sword to Japan because procedures are too strict.
  • We work with a shipping company that have experience with Nihonto so you don't have to worry.
  • Please check the rules of your country before importing the sword. We do not take any responsibility, including (not limited to) refund, due to the above reasons.

Export Procedure (We manage it)

・All our swords are registered in the Agency for Cultural Affairs as artwork and The Board of Education(Cultural properties protection Committee); therefore each sword has the registration card, issued by the Board of Education.
・After receiving the full payment of the items,we return the registration card and get the permission from Ministry of Cultural Affairs to export the swords legally from Japan. It will take about 20 business days to do this procedure.
・After the receiving the permission, we will inform you by email and send the items immediately.

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