TS94 Katana sword Osafune SUKESADA 1500s - Antique NBTHK Hozon certificate

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Item# TS094
Antique Katana sword in Ornate Mounting
Late Muromachi / Sengoku Period (1500-1590s)
NBTHK Hozon certificated (Well Preserved certificate)

Swordsmith: Osafune SUKESADA

A quality Katana sword from SAMURAI STORE Tokyo.

Nanbokuchō to Early Muromachi Period, c. 1394–1428 CE | NBTHK Hozon Certificate

Late Muromachi / Sengoku Period (1504–1596 CE) | NBTHK Hozon Certificate

A fine signed Bizen Osafune Sukesada katana from the Sengoku period, retaining its original ubu nakago and displaying a beautiful combination of lively gunome and flamboyant chōji, accompanied by clearly visible midare-utsuri.

This attractive katana is signed Sukesada (祐定) and was made in Bizen Province during the late Muromachi period, when Japan was dominated by the warfare of the Sengoku age.

The blade is certified Hozon Token by the NBTHK (Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords), confirming it as an authentic Japanese sword worthy of preservation.

Bizen Osafune Sukesada

Bizen Osafune Sukesada (備州長船祐定) represents one of the most famous and prolific lineages of swordsmiths active in late Muromachi-period Bizen.

Bizen had been one of Japan's greatest centers of sword production for centuries, and during the Sengoku period the demand for swords increased dramatically as regional daimyō and their armies fought almost continuously across the country.

The later Bizen tradition of this period is commonly known as Sue-Bizen (末備前), and among its many smiths, the Sukesada lineage became particularly prominent.

Their swords combined the practical requirements of the battlefield with the sophisticated forging and tempering traditions for which Bizen had long been celebrated. As a result, good Sukesada blades offer an appealing combination of Sengoku-period functionality and classical Bizen beauty.

Classic Sengoku-Period Katate-Uchi Sugata

This sword has a particularly attractive katate-uchi (片手打ち) form characteristic of the Sengoku period.

Katate-uchi swords were designed with dimensions suitable for rapid handling, including effective one-handed use. This example combines a manageable blade length with relatively deep curvature, creating a compact yet graceful profile typical of swords made for warriors during the intense military environment of 16th-century Japan.

Importantly, the blade retains its ubu nakago (original, unshortened tang), preserving the sword's original proportions and signed tang.

This is especially desirable in a sword of this age, as many surviving medieval Japanese swords were shortened or otherwise modified during later periods.

Beautiful Bizen Jihada and Midare-Utsuri

The jihada is beautifully forged in itame-hada mixed with mokume-hada, creating a rich and varied grain throughout the surface of the steel.

Particularly noteworthy is the presence of midare-utsuri.

Utsuri is one of the most admired characteristics associated with the Bizen tradition—a subtle shadow-like pattern appearing in the ji above the hamon. On this blade, the irregular midare-utsuri beautifully complements the active temper pattern below it and gives the steel additional depth when viewed under proper lighting.

The combination of itame, mokume, and midare-utsuri gives this sword the unmistakable visual character collectors seek in a fine Bizen blade.

Flamboyant Chōji and Gunome Hamon

The hamon is a lively gunome-midare enriched with prominent chōji formations.

The large and flamboyant chōji create considerable variation along the cutting edge, producing a visually impressive temper pattern while maintaining the energetic character associated with late Bizen workmanship.

Together, the active hamon and midare-utsuri create a particularly beautiful contrast between the hardened edge and the forged surface of the blade.

Rather than being merely a practical Sengoku weapon, this sword demonstrates the ability of the Osafune smiths to combine battlefield functionality with the sophisticated aesthetic tradition inherited from earlier generations of Bizen sword makers.

Koshirae and Fittings

The sword is accompanied by a handsome koshirae with a strong yet restrained appearance.

The iron tsuba combines openwork with carved dargon decoration, giving the mounting a substantial and distinctly traditional character.

Collector’s Appeal

This sword embodies many of the characteristics that make Sue-Bizen Sukesada so fascinating to collectors: a blade made during the height of the Sengoku period, an original signed ubu nakago, a practical katate-uchi form, beautifully forged Bizen steel, visible midare-utsuri, and a lively hamon filled with flamboyant chōji.

Its compact, deeply curved form reflects the practical demands of 16th-century warfare, while the sophisticated jihada, utsuri, and active hamon demonstrate that functionality did not come at the expense of beauty.

A highly attractive example of Sengoku-period Bizen craftsmanship, combining the unmistakable character of a warrior's sword with the refined beauty for which the Osafune tradition has been celebrated for centuries.

Also Comes With:
Standard Sword Bag

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