T57629(S8895)
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Katana signed Bizen-koku-ju Osafune NORIMITSU saku In the 8th month, the 2nd year of Tenbun with) Blue pearl of inlay scabbard Uchikatana koshirae

Koto End of Muromachi period(Tenbun 2/1533) Bizen
Length of cutting edge61.5cm Curvature1.5cm Width of base29.5mm Width of Yokote18.3mm Thickness of base7.0mm

NBTHK(HOZON)
*Reported/certificated
in the ShowaToken meibutsu-cho

Sugata(configuration) : Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune. Mihaba is in average and there is an upper pointed curvature leading to a middle Kissaki. The blade is massive, high shinogi ridge, rich in hiraniku. The entire sword is durable and holds an almost original shape after the passage of 480 years. (click HERE for higher resolution)
Kitae(forging pattern) : Kitae-hada is fine Itame (wooden grain) and mixing in with delicate Mokume-hada (burl grain) pattern.The entire hiraji-surface is covered in speckled ji-nie that generates reflecting irregular whitish Utsuri reflection effect vividly over the surface.
Hamon(tempering pattern) : Hamon forms generally Notare swelling pattern. In details, shows small gunome zigzag mixing in with box-shape and choji-ha (clove out-line). The heads of gunome radiate frequently toward the Hiraji surface to generate Yubashiri to form Midare-Utsuri reflection.The eitire Kitae and Hamon is gaily decorated, grand sight.
Boshi (tip): The temper of tip is Notare wavy, small circle. Ura side shows Ni-ju-ha, double-temper indication then small circle turns back.
Nakago(tang) : UBU in original which holds an original clear file-mark shallow Katte-sagari (slanting left) with one mekugi-ana retaining hole. The signature in front located on the shinogi-ji, clearly chiselled starting with the work of place Bizen-koku-ju Osafune 備前国住長船 and the smith name NORIMITSU-saku 法光作. The reversed side is chiselled the date of year In the 8th month, the 2nd year of Tenbun 天文二年八月日. It is impressive that the tang holds a nice taste of patina and remains clear marks of original chisel.
Powerful clans or generals from the disturbance period of Warring States Period to the Azuchi Momoyama state required the rich, massive volume and thick in kasane with high shinogi-ridge, with well-proportioned deep curve. Heavy on hand and solid construction, showing a brave samurai spirit.
Smiths Norimitsu in Bizen had been active since Ouan(1358-), Nanbokucho thoughout Muromachi period in 9 generations. It is understood that Norimitsu lineage had seldom added the additional name so called "Zokumyo" even if swod works were elaborately made on special demand. There are quite a few existing examples of "Zokymyo" such as Shiro-zaemon-no-jo 四郎左衛門尉 or Saemon-no-jo 左衛門尉　during Eisho(1501-) period.
This katana, which holds an almost original shape in the passage of 480 years is high in Shinogi-ridge and missive volume in Hiraji. Fine steel is use not only for upper cutting edge but also for Nakago so that very clear mark of signature chisel and filemarks. The touch of signature is meekly chiselled, which is classified as a special order form Samurai.
This katana is listed/reported on the Showa Meibutsu-cho list Speciality. This katana is full of brave Samurai spirit and hidden awe-inspiring power.
Blue pearl of inlay scabbard Uchikatana style Koshirae : comprising white rayskin smoke-leather lozenge wrapp hilt, Iron ground Dragon motif Fuchi/Kashira, Shakudo dragon menuki and Iron ground a pair of Killer Whale Tsuba (both hitsu-ana filled by gold).
(click HERE for each ornamental fitting in detail/click HERE for the entire koshirae fitting)
Gold foiled Habaki collar, preserved in a Shira-Saya plain wood mounting.
An old good polish/Condition scale: very good (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor).