Bishu Osafune Norimitsu was a prominent Japanese swordsmith who lived during the mid-16th century, in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). He was a member of the Osafune school of swordsmiths, which was renowned for producing high-quality swords with superior cutting ability.
Norimitsu was particularly famous for his ability to create swords with a unique “gunome-midare” temper line, which is characterized by irregular undulations along the blade. This tempering technique gave his swords a distinctive appearance and helped to enhance their cutting ability.
Many of Norimitsu’s swords were used by samurai warriors during the Muromachi period, and his works were highly valued for their superior quality and beauty. Some of his most famous works include the “Norimitsu Tachi,” which is now designated as a National Treasure of Japan, and the “Norimitsu Wakizashi,” which is also highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese swords.
Norimitsu’s skill as a swordsmith was not limited to creating beautiful and functional swords, however. He was also a master of “iai” (sword-drawing) technique, and his skill in martial arts earned him the respect of his contemporaries.
Overall, Bishu Osafune Norimitsu’s legacy as a master swordsmith and martial artist has endured, and his works continue to be highly valued and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese swords around the world.
Blade Details:
- Signature: Bishu Osafune Norimitsu (備州長船法光) circa mid-1500’s
- Hamon: This blade features Norimitsu’s unique “gunome-midare” temper line.
- Nagasa (length): 51.6cm (1 Shaku 7 Sun)
- Sori (curvature): 9.2mm
- Nakano (tang): 14.1cm
- Kisane (thickness): 5.7mm
- Mihaba (width): 25.6mm
- Blade is in furutogi (old polish). There is no damage to the blade. Hamon is clear and vibrant. (see images)
Koshirae Details:
- Koshirae is tight and does not need repair.
- Tsuka: Black silk with sakudo fushi/gashi (ari-gata – ant motif, a symbol of diligence and perseverance) and menuki (tora-gata – tiger motif, a symbol of strength and ferocity)
- Tsuba: Maru-gata with silver inlay (birds and flower motif)
- Habaki: Copper habaki wrapped in silver.
- Saya: Urushi Lacquer. The saya used to have a kozuka-guchi, but it was filled in due to a repair that appears to have been carried out several decades ago (if not a century ago). The saya is currently secure, and no further repairs are necessary. (see images)
Includes cloth storage bag.
