Katana Edo Period – Signed Bizen Osafune Ju Sukesada

An exceptional Japanese katana dating from the Edo period (1603-1868), signed on the tang Bizen Osafune Ju Sukesada, and bearing the additional inscription Oite Naniwatsu Saku Kore on the reverse side of the nakago. This attribution refers to a manufacture in Osaka (Naniwa), which gives the blade additional historical and geographical interest.Blade dimensions: Nagasa: 60.5 cm (64 cm after habaki) Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, with Kabu-mune back and an Ō-kissaki (long) point Profile: Shinoji semaki mono (narrow) with Hikushi (parallel lines) Nakago of the Ha-agari kuri-jiri typeThe blade, although plain in appearance, has good vigor and potential for enhancement through professional polishing, which will bring out the temper line (hamon) as well as the fineness of the grain (hada). Complete mount: Tsuba in black bronzed iron, signed Kaneiie Fuchi and Kashira also in black bronzed iron, in harmony with the whole Menuki in silver, finely made in the shape of sea snails Saya (scabbard) lacquered black, with decoration in light relief imitating the grain of the wood Kojiri (tip of the saya) in black bronzed iron This katana is a very fine example of the craftsmanship of the end of the Edo period, with a signed blade and a sober and elegant mount. It will delight both collectors and nihonto enthusiasts.