説明

【Summary】
・This is a work by Bisyu Osafune Kiyomitsu(備州長船清光), a representative of the Bizen Osafune smiths of the late Muromachi period (1333-1573).
・The Mei(銘) is engraved with the name Kiyomitsu（清光）, and the Shirasaya has scabbard writing by Honami Koson(本阿弥光遜).

【About Kiyomitsu(清光)】
・Osafune Kiyomitsu is a master craftsman representing the Bizen smithy of the late Muromachi period, known as “Sue Bizen(末備前)” along with Katsumitsu and Tadamitsu.
・Kiyomitsu specialized in Suguha(直刃) and left many works, among which Gorozaemonnojyo Kiyomitsu(五郎左衛門尉清光) and Magouemonnojyo Kiyomitsu(孫右衛門尉清光) are known as the top craftsmen.
・Although it would be difficult to consider this work as their work, it is a work that allows us to enjoy the Suguha(直刃) that is characteristic of Kiyomitsu.

【Blade】
・The Blade is generally in good condition but has some minor damage. Please refer to the photos.
・Suguha (straight blade pattern), a characteristic of Kiyomitsu, appears very clearly.
・Dimensions: 0.8×2.6×61.4 cm

【Scabbard writing】
・The Shirasaya is decorated with a scabbard inscription by Honami Koson(本阿弥光遜).
・The Honami family, whose family business was sword appraisal, is said to have used its vast amount of appraisal materials to conduct sword research. The most famous of the successive heads of the Honami family was Honami Kotoku(本阿弥光徳), the ninth generation, who served Toyotomi Hideyoshi(豊臣秀吉) and Tokugawa Ieyasu(徳川家康).
・Honami Koson(本阿弥光遜) devoted himself to popularizing the sword hobby by founding the “Society for the Study of Japanese Swords” in the Taisho era (1912-1926) and publishing its journal, “Katana no Kenkyu” (The Study of Swords). He was an examining advisor to Bijyutsu Token Hozon Kyokai and also served as a councilor, helping to certify valuable swords.
・The scabbard inscription reads, “This is the work of Bisyu Osafune Kiyomitsu(備洲長船清光), and measures 2 shaku 2 sun 5 bu(about 61.4 cm) in length.”