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Item# TS096
Antique Katana sword in Ornate Mounting
Early-Mid Muromachi period (1300-1400s)
NBTHK Hozon certificated (Well Preserved certificate)

Swordsmith: Osafune NORIMITSU

A quality Katana sword from SAMURAI STORE Tokyo.

Katana – Bizen Osafune Norimitsu – Muromachi Period – NBTHK Hozon Certificate

Swordsmith: Bizen Osafune Norimitsu (長船則光) – Officially attributed by the NBTHK
Signature: Bishū (備州, remainder of inscription lost through shortening)
NBTHK Attribution: Osafune Norimitsu
Province: Bizen Province (present-day Okayama Prefecture)
Period: Early to Middle Muromachi Period (circa 1300–1400 CE)
Certification: NBTHK Hozon Tōken (Preservation Sword Certificate)
Blade Type: Katana
Construction: Shinogi-zukuri, suriage nakago (shortened tang)
Hamon: Gunome-midare

Bizen Osafune Norimitsu – A Distinguished Master of the Osafune School

This beautiful katana has been officially attributed to Bizen Osafune Norimitsu by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK), Japan's leading authority on the authentication and preservation of Japanese swords.

The NBTHK Hozon certificate specifically identifies the swordsmith as Osafune Norimitsu (長船則光), establishing its attribution to this distinguished lineage of the prestigious Bizen Osafune school.

The Osafune school was the largest and one of the most influential swordmaking traditions in Japanese history, producing numerous masterpieces from the Kamakura period onward.

The origins of the Norimitsu lineage are traditionally traced to a swordsmith believed to have studied under Nagamitsu, one of the greatest masters of the Kamakura period. However, the name Norimitsu became particularly renowned during the Muromachi period, especially through the fourth-generation master, Gorōzaemon-no-jō Norimitsu, and subsequent generations, including the smiths associated with the Kanshō era.

Norimitsu and Sukemitsu were traditionally celebrated as the “Two Great Masters of Eikyō Bizen” (Eikyō Bizen no Sōheki), reflecting their outstanding reputation during the early Muromachi period.

Their swords were admired for combining practical effectiveness with the refined beauty characteristic of the Bizen tradition.

Beautiful Gunome-Midare Hamon

One of the most captivating features of this katana is its beautifully formed gunome-midare hamon, a style particularly associated with the Norimitsu lineage.

The temper line consists of gracefully spaced undulating patterns, with distinctive pointed elements that create a lively yet balanced appearance.

The nioiguchi, or boundary of the hardened edge, is remarkably bright and clear, beautifully emphasizing the contrast between the hardened steel and the darker surface of the blade.

Within the hamon, intricate activities such as sunagashi—fine streaks resembling drifting sand—add depth, movement, and visual complexity.

These characteristics reflect the sophisticated forging and tempering techniques developed by the renowned swordsmiths of Bizen Province.

The elegant shinogi-zukuri construction and graceful curvature further enhance the sword's classical appearance, embodying the refined aesthetics of Japanese swordmaking during the Muromachi period.

Elegant Traditional Japanese Koshirae

This katana is accompanied by an attractive traditional Japanese mounting (koshirae), featuring a lustrous black-lacquered scabbard and a finely wrapped black handle.

The iron tsuba displays an elegant openwork design with delicate decorative details, while the surrounding metal fittings complement the mounting's restrained and sophisticated appearance.

The harmonious combination of black lacquer, traditional metalwork, and carefully arranged decorative elements makes this sword particularly appealing as a complete collector's piece.

NBTHK Hozon Certification – Official Attribution to Osafune Norimitsu

This katana is accompanied by an authentic Hozon Tōken Certificate issued by the Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (NBTHK).

Importantly, the certificate explicitly records the attribution “Osafune Norimitsu” (長船則光) following the surviving portion of the original signature, “Bishū” (備州).

Although part of the original inscription was lost when the tang was shortened, the NBTHK has examined the blade and formally attributed it to Osafune Norimitsu.

This is therefore an official NBTHK attribution, rather than an assumption based solely on the blade's appearance or the seller's opinion.

Dating to the early to middle Muromachi period, approximately 500–600 years ago, this katana represents the remarkable swordmaking heritage of Bizen Province during an important era in Japanese history.

With its beautiful gunome-midare hamon, officially recognized Osafune Norimitsu attribution, and elegant traditional mounting, this katana is an attractive acquisition for collectors who appreciate both the artistry and historical significance of authentic Japanese swords.

This katana is available for viewing at SAMURAI STORE's showroom in Tokyo, Japan. We welcome collectors to arrange a private appointment to examine the blade and appreciate its craftsmanship in person.

Also Comes With:
Standard Sword Bag

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