Page 92 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

87 | NORIMITSU:
A WAKIZASHI IN KOSHIRAE
By Norimitsu, signed Bishu Osafune Norimitsu
Japan, mid-16th to 17th century, late Muromachi period (1336-1573)
to early Edo period (1615-1868)

The blade:
The slender, finely curved blade with shinogi-zukuri and iori mune, the
hamon shows suguha alternating with light gunome to ko-midare as well
as nioi. The nakago (tang) has a large mekugi-ana, the yasurime shows
a fine sujikkai, the tip nearing kurijiri. One side of the tang shows the
signature Bishu Osafune NORIMITSU. This swordsmith worked in Bizen
around the mid-16th to 17th century.

The mounting:
The slightly oval iron tsuba is entirely openworked, with both hitsu
open. The dragon motif is located on the edge of the tsuba. The fuchi
and kashira show small blossoms with gold nunome. The menuki show
Chinese coins. The handle is tied in leather. The kozuka shows a relief of
a sword as well as a staff with a tassel. The lacquered saya with a dense
reddish scattering pattern on the black roironuri.
Accompanied by an old certificate written in Japanese sosho in ink.
NAGASA 41.2 cm, blade LENGTH 55 cm, total LENGTH 62.5 cm
Condition: The blade is in good condition with minor surface wear, as
well as small losses to the edge of the blade. The kogatana (kozuka
blade) has been replaced.
Provenance: Hungarian private collection.
Estimate EUR 2,000
Starting price EUR 1,000