NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon papered Katana unsigned. Attributed to Osafune MASAMITSU

Nanbokucho period (Enbun era/1356～) Bizen Length of cutting edge 69.8cm Curvature 1.4cm Width of base 31.1mm Width of Yokote 23.4mm Thickness of base 5.5mm

Blade construction (kengyo) : Shinogi-zuruki, Iori-mune. Ō-suriage substantially shortened being unsigned. Wide in Mihaba and there is less degree of tapering from base to point featuring lower base pointed curve to say an indication of Koshi-zori. Proportion of Hiraji is wide to Shinogi-ji leading to a large point of Kissaki. There is round-end Bo-hi groove on both sides. The entire shape has a highly dandyism style to state a clear example of golden age in Nanbokucho period.

Forging pattern (kitae hada) : Kitaehada is conspicuous large Itamehada assorted with partial Mokume burl marks which is active with Chikei thick lines of Nie. The entire hiraji is covered in with speckled Ji-nie sparkling hard metal granules over the surface to generate clear Midare-utsuri reflection which is in sympathy with the irregular tempering outline.

Tempering pattern (hamon) : Hamon outline is fine Nie base a bit on tighter side in Nioi, small Box-like or slanting irregular pointed Gunome or clove-tassel outline Choji-midare of which head outline radiates sparkling Nioi mist being Midare-Utsuri. The interior of temper is covered in full of soft and misty Nioi.

Temper of tip (boshi) : Boshi is irregular pattern of large Gunome with large circle turns back shortly.

Tang (Nakago) : Nakago is Ō-suriage of substantially shortened being unsigned. Kiri horizontal shape of heel. Three Mekugi-ana peg holes. Kiri horizontal filemarks.

The famed smith KANEMITSU 兼光 and it's genius pupils of smiths TOMOMITSU 倫光, YOSHIKAGE 義景, MOTOMITSU 基光 and the subject MASAMITSU 政光 - A legitimate school of OSAFUNE in Bizen province have been well known as called Soden-Bizen tradition that followed true Bizen tradition to adopt growing power from Soshu favor of outstanding Itame forging with rising quench method of rather stronger side Nie-based tempering. It is understood that Soden-Bizen school was born to meet with brave warriors' requirement during the disturbances of war in Nanbokucho age. The subject Katana is very heroically made and carefully forged to clearly indicate an extravagant Itame and Mokume marks against Midare-utsuri (irregular reflections) standing out clearly that is convincing strong feature of Soden-Bizen. There is a grain opening below Yokote ridge in front being eliminated by previous skilled polish. Nevertheless among similar works of Osafune, this katana is prominent and one of the most excellent conditioned OSAFUNE works over the 650 years of more. Black Ro-iro style lacquered Cloud design makie Uchigatana Koshirae Koshirae mount is certified with NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Tosougu and Tokubetsu Bunka-shiryo Tosougu Fuchi/Kashira Tatsuta design of the colored leaves, Shakudo-Nanago-ji surface, unsigned Menuki Suisen of Narcissus design, Shakukdo Yobori, Iroe inlay Kurikata Kizuna-kawa of Horse Harness design Shakudo, Yobori, Iroe inlay Tsuba Clove,Clematis and Arabesque design, Shakudo, Yamagane copper ground, gold inlay, rim of brass inlay Hilt White layskin, white silk cord wrapped Black Ro-iro style lacquered Cloud design makie scabbard Botan-Yujo design gold folied Habaki collar Preserved in the Shirasaya plain wood mounting Sayagaki written by Hon'ami Koson 本阿弥光遜 in 1943 says the tradition of Bizen-koku Osafune KANEMITSU 兼光 and also papered in 1952 NBTHK (Kicho Token) says Bizen-koku Osafune KANEMITSU 兼光. The top quality polish/Condition scale: excellent - very good (using a scale of mint-excellent-very good-good-fair-poor)